All of Cole’s “hot” products contain only natural, non-toxic, food grade ingredients and chili peppers. With no added chemicals or synthetics, they are a great way to create a birds-only oasis. Nonetheless, just like when you are cooking with peppers at home, you need to be careful when handling these products. Habanero chili peppers are a temporary irritant. Although absolutely no permanent physical damage will result even if you get pepper directly in your eyes or on your skin, we advise against children and people with chronic lung conditions pouring or handling these products.

We suggest wearing rubber gloves when directly handling chili-infused seeds or mixing Flaming Squirrel Seed Sauce. Always wash your hands immediately with luke-warm water after handling to remove any residual chili oil. Do not use hot water as this may cause chili vapors to get in your eyes and lungs.

If you experience a burning sensation after coming in contact with chili peppers, rest assured the effects are temporary. Even if you do nothing, the sensations will usually go away in 15 to 30 minutes. It is no different than cooking with jalapeños at home.

To speed up your relief you can put sour cream, yogurt, milk, or a cool compress on the affected skin. If you accidently rub your eyes before you wash, flush your eyes with a little no-tears baby shampoo mixed with water and add a cold compress if needed.