NEW YORK, July 26: Health officials have revealed that a popular Wisconsin eatery, Famous Yeti's Pizza, accidentally served pizzas laced with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, leading to the intoxication of 85 customers over a two-day period last October.

According to a newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the incident occurred between October 22 and 24, 2024, when the restaurant in Stoughton unknowingly used cooking oil contaminated with hemp-derived THC. The oil had been borrowed from a shared kitchen space within the same building after the restaurant ran out of its own supply.

Emergency medical services alerted the local public health department after transporting seven individuals to the hospital exhibiting symptoms of THC intoxication, including dizziness, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. Patients, aged between 1 and 91, reported having eaten at Famous Yeti’s Pizza prior to falling ill. One patient likened their experience to consuming a THC-infused edible. All later tested positive for the drug.

Further investigation revealed that the contaminated oil was originally used by another vendor in the shared kitchen to produce edible cannabis products. The only indication that the oil contained THC was a label on the cap, which the restaurant’s operator acknowledged seeing, according to health officials.

In addition to the hospitalized individuals, 78 other patrons responded to a health department questionnaire, reporting at least one symptom of THC exposure within five hours of dining at the establishment. Complaints ranged from dizziness and nausea to elevated heart rate, vomiting, sleepiness, and panic attacks. Fortunately, all 85 affected individuals made full recoveries without complications.

The restaurant, which has been a staple in the community for over 12 years, publicly addressed the incident via a Facebook post. Owner Cale Ryan expressed deep remorse, writing, “We made a horrendous mistake… We put people and families at risk and frightened and confused children and parents.”

Stoughton police conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that the contamination was unintentional. As a result, no criminal charges were filed. Famous Yeti’s Pizza reopened on October 26 after undergoing cleaning and sanitization in accordance with the Wisconsin Food Code.

More than six months later, the restaurant remains open and continues to be a popular dining destination in the area.

In response to the incident, the CDC issued a reminder urging restaurants to ensure that ingredients containing THC are clearly labeled and securely stored to prevent similar accidents in the future.