Curry catastrophe: Contest leads to mass vomiting

EDINBURGH, Scotland - Some like it hot, but contestants at a curry eating contest in Scotland collapsed in agony after biting off more than they could chew at a self-styled "world's hottest chili" competition.

One contestant was hospitalized twice, and others writhed in agony, panting and vomiting after sampling the "Kismot Killer" at a charity eating competition at the Kismot restaurant in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Owner Abdul Ali staged the event to raise money for a children's hospice. He has conceded he'll have to cool things down for next year, after the first 10 contestants became ill and a second group of 10 declined to take part.

Ali said the curry had caused nosebleeds in the past.

All participants signed a disclaimer before tucking in, and the restaurant had provided first aiders, but they were overwhelmed by the number of sick diners.

The Scottish Ambulance Service failed to see the funny side.

"We would urge the organizers to review the way this event is managed in future," it said in a statement.

[Harden_Tar]

These guys are Scottish for crying out loud. I realize they can eat haggis, but spicy curry is not native to their diet.

[Transatlantique]

People who eat hot chilies in a contest, which leads to becoming ill, are really stupid. What could they possibly have proven with this perfect waste of time and energy?

[bobnjersey]

[One contestant was hospitalized twice, and others writhed in agony, panting and vomiting after sampling the "Kismot Killer"]
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they should be thankful the stomach rejected the 'kismot' samples for them ... cause the liver probably would have faired less successfully breaking down an overabudance of the chemicals that made these things hot.

[syrik]

Hot food causes no ill effect on the liver. The chemical that makes foot hot is called Capsaicin and is in fact being found to have cancer FIGHTING abilities. Any evidence to negative effects is spotty at best. But, eating a lot will give you an upset tummy, as shown here.

[expat31]

It really doesn't take "a lot." I thought I was up to anything my favorite Thai restaurant could serve, and so I ordered the pork with green curry sauce. After the first two bites I realized that I had made a horrible mistake. I wanted to vomit and only succeeded in holding everything down by gulping some Thai beer. I sympathize with the folks in Scotland.

[foo8259]

Makes about as much sense as stuffing down 75 hot dogs in an "eating competition" then having an "accident." I remember an organic chemistry student who entered an HOT chile contest -- he extracted the hot stuff and made it super hot. He was foiled when the judge tested it with his finger first and it burned. I guess he suspected this student was "up to something."

[enlightenu]

A real Family Guy moment.

[DenverBroncofan]

The same thing happened when Bush was elected for a 2nd term

[credibility2]

This guy is an idiot, as were the contestants. The authorities should prohibit him from doing this sort of thing. Maybe he had ulterior motives? Either way, he should be banned from holding these sorts of fundraisers. And, only fools are enticed by the dare of consuming something this blazing hot.

[jlonganecker]

Banned? The participants knew what they signed up for, it ill behooves you to legislate what people want to do in their spare time. Controlling what others choose to eat is an infringement on their physical rights. Ulterior motives? I think we've found the most foolish one in this story.*

*Unless I failed to note your sarcasm in this comment, in which case. Ha.

[Lifeson2112]

I haven't laughed at a story in a while. lol

[canislupus16]

sounds like fun