The 17-year-old Rene, she said, was a junkie for hot and spicy chips such as Frito Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Every week, at least four packets of chips got inside her tummy. “She loves them.

Her doctor believes the hot chips could be partly to blame. Frito-Lay and Takis both released separate statements reassuring their chips are safe to eat but added they should be enjoyed in moderation.