Iceland has introduced two new ready meals that use the world’s hottest pepper, marking the grocer’s first ‘over 18’ food products.

The two meals, Pepper X Chicken Tikka Masala and Pepper X Chilli Mac & Cheese, make Iceland the first UK supermarket to introduce an age restriction on ready meals.

The dishes are made using the world’s hottest chilli, Pepper X, which was created by Carolina Reaper chilli maker Smokin’ Ed Currie and is thought to produce 2.69 million Scoville heat units, equivalent to 53,760% hotter than a jalapeño.

The frozen food specialist said shoppers will have to show their ID at checkouts if they wish to buy the two ready meals, priced at £4 each.

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Iceland Foods head development chef Matthew Worsley said: “Our customers love spice, and they are always pushing us to turn up the heat! So, this time we have developed a range that will not disappoint. Our Pepper X range is unlike anything we’ve ever offered to our customers before. It’s intense, it’s fiery and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.

“With intense heat comes great responsibility, so to ensure only the most experienced spice enthusiasts can take on the challenge, we’ve decided to limit sales to customers aged 18 and over.”

The new chilli products come as Iceland launches its largest ever Halloween range, with 118 products from shoppers to choose from, up 298% since last year.