Japan’s ‘super spicy’ potato chips weren’t a marketing euphemism after all… Fourteen high school students in Tokyo were rushed to hospital after eating the ‘super spicy’ potato chips on Tuesday, police said.

About 30 students ate the chips, which one of them brought to the school, local media reported.

Soon, some of the students began to complain of nausea and sharp pain around their mouths, prompting emergency calls for help.

The 13 girls and one boy who were taken to the hospital were conscious and reportedly had minor symptoms.

The company that makes the snack, Isoyama Corp, issued a statement, apologizing for “any inconvenience” customers suffered and wishing the students a speedy recovery.

The school and company have not responded to the BBC’s inquiries so far, but the maker’s website is full of warnings for those who want to try the crisps…

It “forbids” those under 18 years of age to consume them labeling them ‘R 18+ curry chips’, due to how spicy they are – and even warns spicy food lovers to ‘eat with care’. The crisps are “so spicy they can cause you pain” it says.

The spiciness comes from the powerful ‘ghost pepper’, grown in north-east India, where it is known as bhut jolokia. Although it is used in recipes in India and elsewhere, it is known to be among the hottest chilies in the world.

The Japanese company, in fact, advises its customers not to “they eat chips when they are alone”while noting that they could cause diarrhea if consumed “excessively.”

Those with high blood pressure and a weak stomach are “strictly prohibited” from eating the crisps, according to the company’s website. He warns people who have cuts on their fingers to be careful when opening the packages. Those who are “shy or very fearful” are also discouraged from trying the snack.

According to a media report, one of the students, a boy, brought the crisps to school “for fun”.

X owner Elon Musk commented (also) on the matter, stating that the chips “must be next level spicy!”