Voodoo Doughnut Suspends Infamous Food Challenge After Denver Man’s Death

For years (as early as 2012), Oregon-based Voodoo Doughnut has challenged guests to down a half a pound doughnut in less than 80 seconds in exchange for bragging rights, a free meal, and other swag. In the early hours on Sunday, April 2, that challenge was taken on by 42 year old Travis Malouff who began choking on the doughnut and soon thereafter died of asphyxia, due to obstruction of the airway.

Following the tragic incident that happened at the East Colfax location of the company, Voodoo Doughnut announced that it has suspended the challenge at all seven locations.

Details on the challenge as listed buy the website Food Challenges are below:

– You only get 80 seconds to eat a big doughnut equivalent to 1/2 dozen doughnuts.

– The doughnut weighs around .5 pounds and has a 7″ diameter and 1.625″ thickness.

– You are allowed to drink liquids with the challenge and/or dunk the doughnut.

– Time begins as soon as you touch the doughnut. You can’t separate it beforehand.

A video of someone going through the motions was posted on YouTube by FoodChallenges.com: