Carolina Reaper Pepper

The Carolina Reaper is a cultivar of the chili pepper plant, Capsicum chinense. It originated in South Carolina and is known for its extreme heat. The peppers are typically dried and ground into a powder or used fresh in sauces and other food products.

Manufacturers use the Carolina Reaper primarily for its intense heat and distinctive flavor. It is added to foods to create a spicy sensation. It is found in a variety of products, including hot sauces, snacks, jerky, and condiments.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not specifically evaluated the Carolina Reaper pepper as a food additive. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers, can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and stomach. While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption in amounts typically found in food, consuming very large quantities may lead to adverse gastrointestinal effects. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated capsaicinoids, but no specific evaluations for the Carolina Reaper pepper itself are widely published.