# THC-Contaminated Pizza Incident in Wisconsin: What Transpired and What You Should Know
In an unusual and troubling event, numerous individuals in Wisconsin became ill after consuming pizza contaminated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element found in marijuana. At least five people required emergency medical assistance (EMS) after eating pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Health officials have deemed the contamination “unintentional,” which took place between October 22 and October 24, 2024.
Public Health Madison & Dane County issued an alert late Friday, advising anyone who bought pizza from the restaurant during this period to dispose of it immediately. The health department is currently investigating the full extent of the incident, but this situation has raised significant worries regarding food safety, accidental THC exposure, and the hazards posed to vulnerable groups, such as children.
## The Incident: THC-Contaminated Pizza
The contamination was uncovered after EMS transported five patrons to the hospital, all showing similar symptoms. First responders initially considered carbon monoxide poisoning; however, after ruling that out, investigators shifted their focus to the food. The commonality among the patients was that they had all consumed pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
Further investigation indicated that the pizza dough had been prepared using oil contaminated with THC. The health department noted that the oil was erroneously used in the dough preparation, resulting in unintended exposure of customers to the psychoactive compound. The source of the contamination was tracked back to a shared industrial kitchen utilized by various businesses, including those involved in the production of THC and cannabidiol (CBD) products.
## Health Risks and Symptoms of THC Exposure
Exposure to THC can result in a variety of symptoms, which may include:
– Dizziness
– Increased blood pressure
– Elevated heart rate
– Nausea and vomiting
– Anxiety and panic attacks
– Paranoia and hallucinations
– Short-term memory issues
– Distorted perception of time
– Drowsiness
The intensity of these symptoms can differ based on the individual’s THC tolerance, the quantity consumed, and other health aspects. The health department cautioned that the concentration of THC in each pizza slice could fluctuate, making it challenging to foresee individual reactions.
Children and those with specific medical conditions are especially at risk of THC poisoning. In children, severe responses may encompass slowed respiration, seizures, and even coma. Given that pizza is a typical food choice for individuals of all ages—including children—this incident has triggered concerns about the potential for severe consequences.
## The Investigation: How Did This Occur?
The contamination traced back to an oil utilized in the pizza dough. Famous Yeti’s Pizza operates within a building housing a cooperative commercial kitchen, where multiple businesses share space and resources. Some of these businesses produce cannabis-related items, including THC-infused oils.
Cale Ryan, co-owner of Famous Yeti’s Pizza, explained that the contamination resulted when a cook mistakenly borrowed oil from a neighboring business in the shared kitchen. The cook had run out of olive oil and grabbed a jug that seemed to be cooking oil. Unfortunately, the jug contained THC-infused oil, which was poorly labeled. While the cap included some manufacturer details and a note about the oil containing Delta-9 cannabis, the main body of the jug lacked further labeling, leading to the confusion.
This batch of dough, produced with the contaminated oil, resulted in approximately 60 pizzas, all sold to unsuspecting customers.
## Famous Yeti’s Response and Apology
In a statement on the restaurant’s website, co-owner Cale Ryan accepted full accountability for the incident. He clarified that the oil was mistakenly borrowed from a nearby business in the shared kitchen and used in the dough preparation. Ryan conveyed profound remorse for the situation, asserting, “We put people and families at risk and frightened and confused children and parents… I am deeply sorry that I allowed us to act this irresponsibly and ended up harming the people who have made Yetis [sic] the wonderful place it has been.”
Ryan also stressed that the contamination was limited to one batch of dough and that the restaurant is implementing measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
## The Broader Issue: Accidental THC Poisoning on the Rise
This occurrence is part of a larger trend of accidental THC poisoning, particularly concerning cannabis edibles. According to America’s Poison Centers, there has been a rise in unintended exposures to cannabis edibles, especially among children and adolescents. Inadequate labeling and the similarity of cannabis-infused products to common foods such as candies and baked items are often the culprits.
In 2024 alone, Poison Centers have recorded nearly 7,000 incidents of accidental cannabis exposure in children. While adults might face mild to moderate reactions, children are more prone to experience severe outcomes, such as slowed breathing, seizures, and coma. This trend highlights the necessity for stricter guidelines.
