**Rules:**
1. **Official Peppers:** Only the peppers provided by the contest organizers are permitted. These will be identified and their Scoville Heat Units (SHU) may be disclosed.
2. **Whole Consumption:** Each pepper must be fully consumed, including the seeds and placenta (the white membrane inside where most of the heat resides).
3. **Time Limit:** Contestants will have exactly 2 minutes to eat as many peppers as they can. The timer will start upon the official signal and end precisely at the 2-minute mark.
4. **No Purging:** Intentional vomiting or any attempt to expel the consumed peppers will result in immediate disqualification.
5. **No Drinks or Aids:** During the 2-minute eating period, contestants are not allowed to consume any beverages or other food items. After the time is up, milk, or other cooling aids will be provided. (Please advise coordinator if you are lactose intolerant)
6. **Handling:** Contestants may handle the peppers as they wish, but no external sauces or seasonings are allowed.
7. **Judges' Decision:** The judges' decisions on the number of peppers consumed and rule adherence are final. A pepper is only counted if, in the judge's view, it has been fully consumed before the time expires.
8. **Acknowledgement of Risk and Liability:** By signing up for this contest, the contestant acknowledges the potential health risks associated with consuming hot peppers and agrees not to hold the event coordinator or any affiliated individuals or entities liable for any injury or illness resulting from participation.
9. **Sportsmanship:** While the competition is fierce, good sportsmanship is expected. Excessive taunting or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in disqualification.
Happy Eating!
