In the world of culinary adventure, spicy foods have always held a special appeal. From chili peppers to hot chili sauces to chili-spiced snacks like chips, spicy temptation is everywhere. But behind the exciting sharpness lurks a danger that can pose a serious threat, especially to children and young people.
Children and spicy foods: A dangerous trend
The Hot Chip Challenge, a daring undertaking, is not only captured in video format but also shared on TikTok and Instagram, where influencers take on the challenge and go viral. We HERE .
The alarming warnings from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR)
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has expressed serious health concerns in view of the growing attention on capsaicin. Excessive consumption of capsaicin can lead to mucous membrane irritation, nausea, vomiting and even high blood pressure. Children are particularly sensitive to hot chili products, and there are even reports of serious poisoning of small children from eating chili products.
The lure of hotness
Chili, especially the spicy taste, is caused by capsaicinoids such as capsaicin. These substances are not only responsible for the fiery kick, but also serve as a natural protection for the plants against predators. But man's will to cross boundaries and compete in tough duels is a real test of courage.
In recent years, events like the Hot Chip Challenge have gained popularity through social media. A tortilla chip seasoned with capsaicin is eaten, often with video or photos taken to document participation in the “challenge”. However, the consequences can be devastating and have already led to emergency medical calls.
The dangerous dosage
The BfR warns that the spiciness accepted by adults in a meal should correspond to a maximum of 5 milligrams of capsaicin per kilogram of body weight. For an average adult weighing 60 kilograms, this means that capsaicin intake should be limited to 300 milligrams per meal.
Caution is advised
The BfR advises consumers to be careful when consuming extremely spicy foods and large quantities of hot chili sauces, especially during spiciness competitions. In these cases, serious health problems and even life-threatening consequences can occur. “Fiery” chili sauces should be stored in the household so that they are out of the reach of small children.
The Truth About Spicy Food
It is important to emphasize that moderate consumption of spicy foods generally does not pose an acute health risk within international culinary traditions. However, data on the dosage and effects of capsaicin are limited and intolerances are known. Skin contact with chili peppers can even cause contact dermatitis.
Conclusion: enjoyment in moderation
Capsaicin should not be underestimated lightly. While spicy food can undoubtedly be a culinary delight, we should all use it responsibly.
Parents in particular should ensure that children are protected from food that is too spicy. It is up to all of us to find the right balance between enjoyment and health and not to let “fiery” enjoyment become a danger.
Source: BfR
Further information from the BfR:
On the subject of food ingredients BfR statement on capsaicin
Topic page on LM ingredients
You may also be interested in : Let's protect our children online: The shocking truth about sharenting
If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:
📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.
Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!
* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

