One of the hottest and most controversial potato chips is part of The Hershey Company’s portfolio.
Paqui Chips, which is making headlines as a Massachusetts family blames the brand’s “One Chip Challenge” for the death of their teenage son, is owned by Amplify Brands, a subsidiary of the Hershey Co.
According to his GoFundMe page, Harris Wolobah, 14, took part in the challenge by snack company Paqui, which this year involves eating a chip laced with Carolina Reaper and Scorpion peppers — some of the world’s spiciest.
While the autopsy has not yet been completed, Wolobah’s family members said in the GoFundMe that they suspect that is the cause.
“We are deeply saddened by the news report and express our condolences to the family. It would be inappropriate for us to speculate or comment further,” said Allison Kleinfelter, Hershey Co. spokeswoman.
Hershey purchased Amplify Snack Brands in 2018 for about $1.6 billion as the Austin, Texas, company was facing a $600 million debt. Amplify also makes SkinnyPop popcorn and Pirate’s Booty.
At the time, Michele Buck, Hershey Co.’s president and Chief Executive Officer, said the acquisition helped the company to capture more consumer snacking occasions by creating a broader portfolio of brands.
Amplify was founded behind the strength of the SkinnyPop brand in 2010 and started acquiring additional brands, such as the Paqui tortilla chips, after the original makers of SkinnyPop sold their majority stake.
In 2016, Paqui started marketing the One Chip Challenge, which grew into a TikTok and YouTube trend. In the challenge, people eat a tortilla chip made with immensely hot peppers and then wait as long as possible before eating or drinking.
Last fall, several students at a Minnesota middle school became sick after participating in the challenge.
A warning on Paqui’s website advises the chips are for adult consumption only and are not to be eaten by those who are sensitive to spicy foods. Additionally, the site warns anyone who touches the chips should wash their hands and seek medical assistance if they experience difficulties breathing, fainting or extended nausea.
“The pain our family is experiencing is unimaginable,” the Lama and Wolobah family wrote on GoFundMe. “Harris was a light that lit up the room with his presence and subtle charm. He was an intelligent, quirky and incredibly talented young man who loved video games and playing basketball!”
After feeling sick from eating the chips, Wolobah went to the nurse’s office, officials told Boston 25 News. His parents then picked him up from Doherty Memorial High School and drove him home.
The police confirmed that Wolobah died at his home, Boston 25 News said.
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