At least 85 people affected by THC-contaminated food from Dane County pizzeria

At least 85 people developed symptoms after eating THC-contaminated food from a Dane County pizzeria late last month, according to a new report by local public health officials. 

On Tuesday, Public Health Madison & Dane County released its final report on an incident related to THC-contaminated food accidentally sold at Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton, detailing the health department’s investigation.

Between Oct. 22 and Oct. 24, Famous Yeti’s inadvertently sold pizza, sandwiches, cheese bread and garlic bread that were made using oil that contained Delta-9, according to the report. The commercial kitchen used by the pizzeria supports multiple businesses, including one that creates products containing Delta-9.

The report says the business whose THC oil was used was licensed through the state, and hemp-derived THC products are legal in Wisconsin due to a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill. 

Public health officials initially believed that only pizza was affected, until one person responded to the department’s questionnaire saying they only ate a sandwich but felt symptoms of THC intoxication. 

“Upon questioning, Famous Yeti’s stated that the oil was also used for grinders, garlic bread, and cheese bread,” the report said. “Since initial reports only mentioned pizza, individuals who ate other items might not have completed a questionnaire.”

Of the 107 people who responded to the questionnaire, health officials determined that 85 likely developed illnesses related to consuming THC-contaminated food. 

The people who were affected ranged in age from 1 year old to 91 years old, and eight people were under 18, according to the report.

The report also says people affected included women who were pregnant or breastfeeding and individuals with THC allergies.

Symptoms reported included dizziness, sleepiness, anxiety, nausea, increased heart rate, paranoia, panic attack and vomiting, and lasted from one hour to 83 hours, the report said. 

Three people said they experienced impaired driving and three people missed work, according to the report.

Thirty-three people saw a health care provider in response to their symptoms, 27 people went to an emergency department and three people were hospitalized for at least one night.

In an October statement, Famous Yeti’s owner Cale Ryan apologized to those who were affected by the THC-contaminated food.

“We are grateful for the support of our community as we navigate how to support individuals affected by the contamination,” Ryan stated.

After the pizzeria closed on Oct. 24 to prevent further illness, it was allowed to reopen on Oct. 26 because it was deemed Famous Yeti’s had sanitized all surfaces in contact with the THC infused oil, the report said.

In a statement, Public Health Madison & Dane County said it takes its role of protecting community health and safety seriously.

“Our enforcement and compliance work includes the creation of a detailed report to inform the public about our efforts when we conduct foodborne illness investigations,” the statement reads. “Such reports include details on each step of our process. The report on the recent foodborne illness investigation into Yeti’s Pizza has been completed.”