Hesse bans the sale of extremely spicy "hot chips"
Hesse has banned the sale of extremely spicy "hot chips". The Ministry of Consumer Protection sent a corresponding decree to the responsible local authorities, according to a spokeswoman in Wiesbaden in response to a dpa inquiry. "Health protection comes first. The decree is intended to ensure that even remaining stocks of the extremely hot chips are not sold and thus possibly end up in the hands of children", explained Consumer Protection Minister Priska Hinz (Greens).
In the "Hot Chip Challenge" circulating on social media, participants challenge each other to eat the spicy corn tortilla chips. There are numerous videos on the internet of people taking part in the test of courage. In some cases, children and young people had to be treated in hospital afterwards. Following laboratory tests on several samples, the food inspection authorities in Hesse had already seized the first hot chip products.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Protection, the hot chips may no longer be sold in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria either. The Czech manufacturing company has repeatedly emphasized in the past that it meets all legal requirements.
This week it became known that the manufacturer is no longer supplying the controversial product to Germany. Other products are not affected by the ban on exports to Germany. The packaging of the "Hot Chip Challenge" in the shape of a coffin contains a single extremely sharp tortilla chip - as well as latex gloves for touching.
Several batches of the extremely hot chips had already been recalled in Germany due to health risks. According to a warning published on the consumer portal of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, widely fluctuating and sometimes extremely high levels of capsaicin were found in the "Hot Chip Challenge" product. The substance comes from chili peppers.
Consumers expressing concern about the health risks associated with the "Hot Chip Challenge" may now breathe a sigh of relief, as the ban on extremely spicy "hot chips" extends to Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Despite the manufacturer's assertion of compliance with legal requirements, parents and guardians can now feel assured that this product will no longer reach children and youth, protecting their health.
Source: www.dpa.com
