‘One Chip Challenge’ Defect Claims Advance in Teen’s Death Case

Hershey Co. will have to face claims related to the viral One Chip Challenge that the design of its chip led to the death of a Massachusetts teen who ate one.

US District Judge Margaret R. Guzman said Thursday that the mother of Harris Wolobah could advance a “narrow theory” that Hershey and two of its subsidiaries defectively designed the chip to have too much capsaicin, the chemical compound that causes spicy heat.

The One Chip Challenge involves eating a tortilla chip seasoned with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper Peppers, one of the spiciest in the world. In excessive amounts, ...