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A California physician has initiated a lawsuit against a local Thai restaurant, claiming that a dish served to her was so intensely spicy that it caused lasting damage to her health. According to Dr. Harjasleen Walia, a board-certified neurologist based in San Jose, the dish in question is the Dragon Balls appetizer from Coup de Thai, which she consumed in 2023. The details of her lawsuit were highlighted in documents acquired from the Mercury News.
The legal action was formally lodged in July 2023. However, Dr. Walia garnered attention recently after choosing to represent herself in court, as indicated in a filing submitted in May. Her allegations assert that the fiery appetizer inflicted burns upon her vocal cords, esophagus, and the interior of her right nostril.
The Dragon Balls dish comprises spicy chicken balls that are fried and infused with mint, shallots, and green onions, as explained on Coup de Thai’s official website. Additionally, the dish is accented with cilantro, kaffir lime leaves, chili, and rice powder, all of which contribute to its intense heat.
At the center of this controversy are Thai chilis, specifically bird’s eye chilis, which are known for their high heat levels. These chilis score between 50,000 to 100,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), significantly hotter than common varieties such as cayenne and serrano, yet milder than habaneros.
According to the lawsuit, Dr. Walia explicitly requested her server to prepare the dish with reduced spice levels, citing her intolerance to spicy foods. The server allegedly agreed to this request. However, upon tasting the dish, Dr. Walia experienced an overwhelming burning sensation in her mouth, throat, and nose.
The lawsuit describes her experience vividly; she said she felt as though her mouth, tongue, and throat were ablaze, leading to watering eyes, coughing, and the loss of her voice. Medical evaluations diagnosed her with internal chemical burns due to the potent chilis.
The legal documents claim that as a result of this incident, Dr. Walia has incurred permanent injuries that will have a lasting impact on her life.
Dr. Walia also claims that she requested a dairy product from the waitress to alleviate the burning sensation but did not receive any assistance. She noted that no milk, ice cream, yogurt, or other dairy products were offered to calm her discomfort. Instead, she consumed an entire glass of coconut water, hoping it would mitigate the burning, but to no avail.
The lawsuit argues that the Dragon Balls dish was unfit for human consumption, attributing responsibility to the restaurant for failing to consider the potential health risks associated with serving such a spicy appetizer.
The legal claims highlight that Coup de Thai did not consult health officials or emergency personnel regarding the risks of excessive chili content in its food preparation. As a result, the allegations assert that the restaurant neglected its duty to provide safe dining experiences.
In response to these allegations, Coup de Thai has denied causing any harm to Dr. Walia. A representative from the restaurant informed Mercury News that the dish’s spiciness cannot be reduced due to the nature of its ingredients. Furthermore, they asserted that no other patrons have required medical assistance following their meals.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Dr. Walia and Coup de Thai for further comments regarding the ongoing lawsuit.
Spices are a prevalent component of many culinary traditions, used to enhance flavor and appeal to diners. However, excessive heat levels can lead to serious consequences. A notable incident in 2019 involved a chef who temporarily lost his hearing after consuming an excessively spicy dish. This raises the question of how much spice is too much, particularly in establishments that serve food with extreme heat levels.
Dr. Walia’s case highlights the risks associated with spicy foods and the obligation of restaurants to prioritize customer safety. As the lawsuit unfolds, it may prompt a broader discussion about food safety standards in restaurants, particularly regarding spicy dishes.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for both the food service industry and patrons who enjoy adventurous culinary experiences. As this situation develops, it serves as a reminder that enjoying a meal should never compromise one’s health.
The ramifications of this case extend beyond Dr. Walia herself; they may encourage restaurateurs to reconsider their spice levels and the information they provide to customers when it comes to potentially hazardous ingredients.
Ultimately, as consumers explore global cuisines, it is crucial for them to be informed about the spicy elements in their food—what may be a delightful culinary adventure for some might pose significant health risks for others.
