Spice up your Super Bowl party this year with award-winning chili

Mouths on fire at live cook-off event as Food TV Host Anthony Sedlak announced ZANTAC(R) Chili Challenge Winner

TORONTO , Feb. 4 /CNW/ - After weeks of competition and thousands of votes from Canadians across the country, the winner of the second annual ZANTAC(R) Chili Challenge was announced today. Hosted by Food TV personality, author and restaurateur Anthony Sedlak , the Challenge culminated in a live cook-off competition in Toronto where Mike Callaghan from London , ON, won a trip for two to the Mayan Riviera for his Wiri Wiri Hot Chili recipe.

For the second consecutive year, Canadians turned up the heat and put their original recipes to the test.

With unique ingredients like bourbon, chocolate and beer, this year's challenge saw the gamut of chili recipes. Inspired by the creativity and passion Canadians put into their entries over the past two years, Anthony developed a brand new signature, authentic Mexican chili recipe that served as a benchmark for comparison this year.

"The response we received from Canadians last year was phenomenal, so we wanted to give them a chance to get back into their kitchens this year and really bring their best to the table," said Sedlak. "What's great about the ZANTAC(R) Chili Challenge is that it shows Canadians that they can enjoy comfort food classics, spices and all, heartburn free."

Super Bowl is just days away, so now is the perfect time to start thinking about the chili to serve at this year's party. With unique ingredients like wiri wiri peppers and bourbon, Mike's winning recipe is sure to score a touchdown with even the most discerning chili fans.

"Whether indulging in a comfort classic or celebrating the Super Bowl, chili is a staple food that many love to cook and eat this time of year," said Stephanie Wong-Cairns, Brand Manager, ZANTAC(R). "Spicy foods like chili often trigger heartburn, but with ZANTAC(R) before a meal Canadians can fully enjoy the foods they love without the worry."

From October 26 - December 1, 2009 , Canadians were invited to submit their best, original chili recipes at www.chilichallenge.ca, where consumers could vote for their favourite. Thousands of Canadians went online to place their votes and the top three finalists won the chance to participate in the ZANTAC(R) Chili Challenge cook-off, cook alongside Anthony Sedlak and compete for the grand prize.

The three contestants prepared their chili recipes live before a judging panel of Toronto food and sports personalities. The recipes were judged for taste, originality and presentation, and after much tasty deliberation, Mike's recipe received the top score.

"I've always been proud of my chili recipe, so I am thrilled that it was selected by Canadians as one of their favourites and to be here to prepare it for today's judges," said Mike Callaghan from London , Ontario. "I hope others put my chili to the test in their own kitchens."

For more information about ZANTAC(R) and to view all the chili submissions, including the winning chili recipe and Anthony Sedlak's new signature Chili Con Carne recipe, visit www.chilichallenge.ca.

About McNeil Consumer Healthcare products

Taken before a meal, over-the-counter medications such as ZANTAC(R) heartburn reliever can be used to prevent heartburn symptoms from occurring. Using ZANTAC(R) 75(R) or Maximum Strength ZANTAC(R) 150(TM) will help heartburn sufferers stop worrying about what they eat. ZANTAC(R) 75(R) and Maximum Strength ZANTAC(R) 150(TM) are marketed by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. McNeil Consumer Healthcare markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products around the globe. McNeil Consumer Healthcare Canada markets products in the adult and pediatric pain relief, allergy, gastrointestinal and nicotine-replacement categories.

For further information: Julia Alter, Edelman, [phone] ext 340, [email protected]; Tina Peyregatt, Senior Manager, Public Relations, Johnson & Johnson Inc., [phone], [email protected]