Pizzas contaminated with THC leave at least 85 individuals under the influence, due to infused oil used in dough
News Article: Famous Yeti's Pizza Incident Highlights Risks of Shared Kitchen Spaces
In October 2024, Famous Yeti's Pizza in Stoughton, Wisconsin, unintentionally served food contaminated with THC, leading to at least 85 customers experiencing THC intoxication symptoms.
The incident occurred when the restaurant, which had run out of regular cooking oil, used what they believed was canola oil from a shared kitchen area. However, it was actually THC-infused oil stored in the same space as a state-licensed edible THC vendor's products.
Symptoms of THC intoxication, including dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, and nausea, appeared within five hours of consumption. The affected individuals ranged in age from 1 to 91 years old, including eight children and teens under 18 years old. Thirty-three of the affected individuals consulted a health care provider, mostly at hospital emergency departments, and three were hospitalized for at least one night. None of the children or teens were hospitalized.
The health department launched an investigation after being alerted to the issue, in collaboration with the CDC. The investigation found no criminal intent and attributed the contamination to the accidental use of THC oil due to shared storage with a licensed THC edible vendor. The restaurant was cleaned and reopened shortly after, with no charges filed.
Key findings of the investigation include the fact that the restaurant staff mistakenly used THC-infused oil, the wide age range of those affected, and the prompt public communication and recall procedures that were implemented.
The event has emphasized the risks of shared kitchen spaces when vendors produce both cannabis edibles and regular food products. To prevent inadvertent THC contamination, authorities have recommended clear and separate storage areas for non-THC and THC products, enhanced staff training and labeling protocols, prompt public communication and recall procedures, and following food safety codes for cleaning and sanitizing facilities before reopening.
Regulations regarding practices such as standard, clear labeling and locked storage for ingredients containing THC might decrease the risk for unintentional THC exposure at licensed food businesses. The report concluded that co-location of food establishments with businesses that make THC-infused products increases the risk of unintentional THC exposure at licensed food businesses.
The health department also warned of leftover grinders (submarine sandwiches), garlic bread, and cheese bread from the restaurant being affected and should be thrown out. Fifteen people out of the 85 tested positive for THC. The owner of Famous Yeti's Pizza initially thought the oil was plain canola oil but later discovered it might have been infused with THC.
This incident serves as a reminder for the importance of proper storage, labeling, and handling of ingredients in shared kitchen spaces, especially when they contain psychoactive substances like THC. It also underscores the need for rigorous separation and controls to prevent inadvertent THC contamination in food establishments.
- The contaminated food incident at Famous Yeti's Pizza can serve as a cautionary tale about shared kitchen spaces.
- This unfortunate event highlighted the potential risks associated with using shared kitchen spaces.
- The incident involved THC-infused oil being mistakenly used instead of regular cooking oil.
- The restaurant in question had run out of regular cooking oil and used a substitute they believed was canola oil.
- However, the oil was actually THC-infused oil that had been stored in a shared kitchen area.
- The THC-contaminated food led to at least 85 customers experiencing symptoms of THC intoxication.
- Symptoms of THC intoxication can include dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, and nausea.
- The affected individuals ranged in age from 1 to 91 years old.
- Eight children and teenagers under 18 years old were among those affected.
- To prevent THC contamination, authorities recommend clear and separate storage areas for non-THC and THC products.
- Enhanced staff training and labeling protocols are also crucial to minimize the risk of inadvertent THC contamination.
- The health department also emphasizes prompt public communication and recall procedures to address such incidents.
- Following food safety codes for cleaning and sanitizing facilities before reopening is essential to prevent the spread of contamination.
- Regulations like standard, clear labeling and locked storage for ingredients containing THC can reduce the risk of unintentional THC exposure.
- The findings suggest that the co-location of food establishments with businesses that make THC-infused products increases the risk of unintentional THC exposure.
- The health department warned of leftover grinders, garlic bread, and cheese bread from the restaurant being affected and should be discarded.
- Fifteen people out of the 85 tested positive for THC after consuming the contaminated food.
- The owner of Famous Yeti's Pizza initially thought the oil was plain canola oil but later discovered it might have been infused with THC.
- Proper storage, labeling, and handling of ingredients in shared kitchen spaces is crucial, especially when they contain psychoactive substances like THC.
- This incident underscores the need for rigorous separation and controls to prevent inadvertent THC contamination in food establishments.
- such as the rise of global cuisines, healthy cooking, and plant-based options, have significantly influenced the dining scene.
- Our lifestyles have become more health-conscious, with fitness and exercise dominant factors in maintaining overall wellness.
- The integration of CBD into various therapies and treatments has gained traction due to its potential health benefits, especially for chronic diseases and mental health.
- In a decade marked by advancements in medical conditions, such as aging, women's health, and men's health, research plays a vital role in understanding and addressing these issues.
- Parenthood poses its own set of challenges and questions about the best ways to raise a healthy family, and support systems can make all the difference.
- The world of casino culture continues to evolve with popular games like blackjack, big wins, and casino-and-gambling trends.
- The history, myths, gambling trends, and personalities of Las Vegas have shaped its enduring appeal, making it a global icon of entertainment and luxury.
