Dozens sickened after eating THC-contaminated food at Wisconsin pizzeria, CDC says
Dozens of individuals in Wisconsin were unintentionally exposed to THC, the main psychoactive component in cannabis, after consuming food from a local pizzeria, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Famous Yeti’s Pizza, situated in Stoughton, Wisconsin, shares a kitchen with a state-licensed vendor that produces THC-infused products. In October 2024, the pizzeria unknowingly used THC-infused oil instead of regular canola oil while preparing food, including pizza, garlic bread, cheese bread, and sandwiches. The contaminated items were sold between October 22 and October 24, causing several customers to experience symptoms such as dizziness, sleepiness, and anxiety, leading to their hospitalization.
Upon investigation by public health officials, it was discovered that the individuals who fell ill had consumed the tainted food. A questionnaire was distributed to patrons of the pizzeria, with 85 out of 107 respondents reporting symptoms of THC intoxication within hours of eating the contaminated products. Symptoms of THC intoxication include dizziness, increased heart rate, nausea, paranoia, and hallucinations, affecting individuals of all ages.
After confirming the presence of THC in the oil used by the pizzeria, the restaurant owner voluntarily closed the establishment. Law enforcement conducted an investigation but determined that the incident was accidental, leading to no charges being filed. The restaurant reopened shortly after implementing corrective measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, the inadvertent exposure to THC highlights the importance of food safety and ingredient verification in commercial kitchens. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for food establishments to exercise diligence in sourcing and using ingredients to prevent harm to their customers.
