Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on July 27, 2025
Last October, THC-contaminated pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza sickened at least 85 people. Likely more!
Public Health Madison & Dane County issued a public announcement at the time, warning consumers in the jurisdiction. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) article describes what happened during this unique food poisoning outbreak.
Here’s what took place!
On October 24, 2024, a series of strange emergencies were reported in Madison and Dane Counties. Among other symptoms, people reported dizziness, sleepiness, and anxiety.
Based on patient interviews, there was a common denominator.
Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
More specifically, pizza, garlic bread, cheese bread, and “grinder” submarine sandwiches.
Over the course of days, 107 people reported symptoms of THC intoxication without knowingly consuming the substance. All recently ate food from Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
Public Health Madison & Dane County initiated an investigation. Two residences and the restaurant were tested for carbon monoxide. All tests were negative. Yet, epidemiological evidence strongly pointed to Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
Test results from outbreak patients pointed to THC intoxication. Once the restaurant connection was made, investigators inspected the restaurant.
Investigators discovered that the restaurant operated out of a cooperative (shared) kitchen. Among the vendors using the space was a company that manufactures edible products using hemp-derived Δ9-THC (delta-9 THC).
The restaurant owner agreed to close immediately and cooperate with the investigation.
After further questioning, the restaurant owner reported that on October 22, 2024, the restaurant had run out of cooking oil and used oil from the cooperative kitchen to prepare dough that was served during October 22 through October 24. “The owner initially thought the oil was plain canola oil but later realized it might have been infused with THC.
Investigators tested oil from a large, labeled storage container found in the same area that the restaurant owner found the oil that he used. The results were positive for THC.
On October 24, 2024, Public Health Madison & Dane County published a public announcement warning consumers about THC-Contaminated Pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
“Public Health Madison & Dane County is urging community members to throw out any pizza they may have from Famous Yeti’s Pizza in Stoughton (2300 Highway 51, Stoughton, Wisconsin) due to unintentional THC contamination,” explained the press release. “The contaminated pizza was served on Tuesday (10/22) through Thursday (10/24).”
This public announcement was made in an effort to prevent additional illnesses, in case consumers still had THC-contaminated pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza in their homes.
“We want to be sure anyone who has this pizza on hand throws it away so they don’t get sick,” said Bonnie Armstrong, Director of Environmental Health at Public Health Madison & Dane County. She advised those experiencing THC-related symptoms to contact their health care provider or call 911 if symptoms worsen.
THC, scientifically known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive substance found in Cannabis sativa pants. Hemp, a more mainstream source of THC, has the lowest concentrations of THC. However, manufacturers have been extracting and concentrating THC in the form of delta 8 and delta 9 for both medicinal and recreational purposes for decades.
The legalization of hemp, CBD, and certain THC products has led to the accidental intoxication of numerous adults and children.
Even intentional consumption can lead to accidental THC intoxication, as concentrations can be unpredictable. Particularly in edibles.
Symptoms of THC intoxication may vary from one person to another. Additionally, the concentration of THC in the pizza can vary by piece.
However, common THC-related symptoms may include:
What made this THC intoxication outbreak even more serious, was the severity of illnesses and the ages of those who became sick from THC-contaminated pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza.
According to the report, seven people were transported to the hospital by ambulance. At least three people were hospitalized for at least one night. A total of thirty-three people received medical care. Twenty-eight of which went to a hospital emergency department.
Eight people sickened in this THC intoxication outbreak were children. One of which was only a year old. Four were under thirteen years of age.
This THC contamination was deemed unintentional by local police. As such, no criminal charges were pursued. It is unclear whether civil cases were brought against the restaurant.
While the THC intoxication outbreak was accidental, how could this incident have been prevented.
The CDC report indicates that “regulation 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.”
This is especially helpful in a cooperative kitchen environment when multiple businesses operate out of the same space.
If you have fallen sick from THC-contaminated pizza from Famous Yeti’s Pizza, you may have a legal claim.
Medical bills, lost work, failed drug tests impacting your financial security, and other burdens associated with THC food poisoning add up. An experienced Food Poisoning Lawyer can help you through this difficult and stressful time.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has successfully represented families in situations just like yours receive millions of dollars in food poisoning and product liability lawsuits.
Call (833) 330-3663 today for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation and determine if you have a legal case. Or fill out the online submission form and a member of our compassionate team will get with you as soon as possible.
Don’t wait! Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)