GWR Statement regarding Indian chilli-eating event

It has been brought to the attention of Guinness World Records™ that 28-year-old Anandita Dutta Tamuly has attempted to set a new record by eating 51 Bhut Jolokia, or "ghost chilis" in two minutes, in the Northern Indian state of Assam last Thursday 9th April.

Guinness World Records had no prior knowledge that this event was taking place. No claim for this record was received by our organisation prior to this event, and no Guinness World Records™ representative was present.

Guinness World Records™ has acknowledged the chili pepper Bhut Jolokia, belonging to the Capsicum chinense as the hottest spice. It was measured at 1,001,304 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), at the New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA, on 9 September 2006.

Historically, however, all claims for eating this chili - both in terms of volume, and volume by time - have been rejected.

Guinness World Records™ will consider evidence submitted in relation to this event, pending an official claim for the record through our website.

14 April 2009