PICTURE: TIKTOK SCREENSHOT/ RONEWA NEPHIPHIDI
A man has gone viral after sharing a shocking account of his experience at RocoMamas, alleging that a spicy meal left him with a severely swollen face.
The man identified as Ronewa Nephidiphidi, whose video has been widely circulated on social media, detailed how he took on one of the restaurant’s fiery menu items—believed to be linked to the popular “Fire Wings” challenge. Shortly after consuming the meal, he claims he began experiencing intense discomfort, followed by noticeable swelling in his face.
Also see: Side effects of consuming spicy foods
In the video, Ronewa appears visibly distressed, showing the extent of the swelling while warning others about the potential effects of extremely spicy food.
@ronewa663 Rocomamas hot wings challenge nearly killed me 😭😭😭😭 #challange #tiktok #reels #viralvideo #challenge ♬ Originalton – .
The clip has since sparked widespread debate online. While some viewers expressed concern and sympathy, others questioned whether the reaction could be linked to an allergy or pre-existing sensitivity rather than the spice itself. Health-conscious users also weighed in, cautioning against participating in viral food challenges without understanding personal tolerance levels.
This incident comes amid growing attention around extreme eating challenges, particularly those involving high levels of spice. Experts often warn that such foods can trigger reactions ranging from mild irritation to more serious symptoms, especially for individuals with underlying conditions.
Also see: Ambulance called for Makhi “Thee Swappa Queen” after hot wings challenge
As the video continues to trend, the situation has reignited conversations about food safety, personal responsibility and the risks associated with pushing culinary limits for entertainment.
Speaking to BONA, Rocomamas spokesperson Moshe Apleni said they are aware of social media posts from a few people who reported experiencing adverse reactions after taking part in the Fire Wings Challenge.
“The Fire Wings Challenge is a fun campaign linked to our customers’ love of bold, spicy flavours. As a brand that sells wings and other spicy menu items, such as chilli cheese bombs, we know that many of our customers enjoy food with heat. The Challenge has been run for years as a youthful and entertaining experience for customers who choose to take part.
“Since this year’s launch on 15 April, thousands of customers have enthusiastically engaged with the campaign in the spirit in which it was intended. Participation in the Fire Wings Challenge is completely voluntary and is limited to customers aged 18 and over. All participants are required to complete an indemnity form before taking part. Because the challenge involves eating very hot wings within a 10-minute period, participants are informed of what to expect before they start,” said Moshe.
“We put considerable thought into our campaigns before they go live, including the terms of participation and customer safety considerations. At the same time, we take any concerns relating to customer well-being seriously, and we are sorry to hear that some people have had a negative experience. We will continue to carefully consider feedback to ensure the Challenge remains a responsible and enjoyable experience for those who choose to take part,” he added.
Also see: Discover the heart benefits of eating spicy food
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