Belgium has banned the sale of the Hot Nut Challenge, after previously prohibiting the Hot Chip Challenge, according to the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC).
Similar to last year’s viral spicy chip, the fiercely hot nut can cause eye, skin, and respiratory issues.
The Advisory Commission for Plant Preparations argues that a product with such a high concentration of peppers (capsaicinoids) does not belong in the food market.
While the peppers themselves are not banned, the product is problematic as it is intended for isolated consumption, the commission advised in January 2024.
The Hot Nut Challenge was distributed through various retailers.
One such retailer, the online store My American Shop, has requested customers not to consume the product and to return it to the place of purchase.
The product had been available on My American Shop’s website since 6 January.
