Wisconsin Pizzeria’s Mistake: Apology After Customers Receive THC-Contaminated Pizzas
According to News Week, A pizzeria in Stoughton, Wisconsin, has issued an apology after customers were advised to discard pizzas purchased from their establishment due to contamination with THC, the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis.
Contaminated Pizzas Served
Famous Yeti’s Pizza confirmed that contaminated pizzas were served between October 21 and October 24, as reported by Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Bonnie Armstrong, director of environmental health at the department, urged anyone with the affected pizzas to dispose of them. “We want to be sure anyone who has this pizza on hand throws it away so they don’t get sick,” she stated. Armstrong also advised anyone experiencing THC-related symptoms to contact their healthcare provider or call 911 if their condition worsens.
THC-Related Symptoms
According to the health department, THC-related symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Short-term memory impacts
- Time distortion
- Sleepiness
The department emphasized that individual reactions may vary and that THC concentrations could differ from pizza to pizza.
Cause of Contamination
The contamination incident was traced back to the use of incorrect oil during the preparation of a batch of dough. Caitlin and Cale Ryan, owners of Famous Yeti’s Pizza, explained that 60 contaminated pizzas were unknowingly served during the affected period. They clarified that the oil was mistakenly sourced from a cooperative commercial kitchen shared by multiple food entrepreneurs, including a business producing products containing Delta-9 THC.
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Investigation and Community Support
Public Health Madison & Dane County was alerted to the issue by Stoughton Emergency Medical Services, which transported multiple individuals displaying similar symptoms after consuming the pizza. The health department is currently investigating the situation alongside the Stoughton Police and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
In a Facebook post, Famous Yeti’s Pizza expressed deep regret regarding the potential contamination. “After receiving reports from staff and the owner of unexplained physical reactions, we underwent an investigation,” they stated. The post continued, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or harm caused.”
Legal Status of Cannabis in Wisconsin
As of 2024, 24 U.S. states, two territories (Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands), and the District of Columbia have legalized cannabis for adult recreational use, according to the CDC. However, in Wisconsin, cannabis is only approved for medicinal purposes.
