Japanese children in hospital after eating 'super spicy' crisps branded ‘18+’

More than a dozen Japanese high school students were taken to hospital after eating spicy crisps , police said.

Local media reported around 30 students ate the fiery snacks - made by company Isoyama Corp - on Tuesday, before some started complaining of acute pain.

Rokugo Koka High School in Tokyo called the emergency services after 13 girls and one boy, all first-year students, complained of pain, reported Japan Today.

One media report said one of the students, a boy, brought the crisps to school "just for fun". Those hospitalised were reportedly not in a serious condition.

Crisp manufacturer Isoyama Corp said said in a statement on Wednesday it "apologised for any inconvenience" to customers, and "sincerely wished for the swift recovery of those who have reported feeling unwell".

Its website warns against eating the “18+ curry chips” for the faint-hearted, warning even those who like spicy food to “eat with caution”.

The snacks are said to be "so spicy that they may cause you pain", with people being advised not to eat them while alone.

The flavouring in the crisps comes from the “ghost pepper”, cultivated in northeastern India, which is one of the world’s hottest chillies.

The product has been sold since 2013 and is the firm's flagship product, one of around half a dozen in its 18+ food series, Newsweek reported.

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