Customers at a local pizzeria in Wisconsin got a lot more than they bargained for with their pies — unknowingly consuming THC, and resulting in several hospitalizations.
According to a report released by the CDC, at least 85 people claimed they ate from the pizzeria back in October and "experienced symptoms consistent with THC intoxication."
The report states those customers ranged in age from 1 to 91 years. Of the 85, seven customers were hospitalized with symptoms including dizziness, sleepiness, and anxiety, all after reporting they'd eaten food from the pizza joint. Three of the seven were hospitalized overnight.
Customers who reported symptoms claimed they had either eaten pizza, garlic bread, cheese bread, or grinder sandwiches from the shop.
According to the CDC, the pizzeria shared a kitchen with a state-licensed business that made edible products using THC, and used a cooking oil that was infused with THC.
The CDC says the owner of the pizza shop revealed his kitchen ran out of cooking oil when preparing dough — so they used oil from the shared business, under the impression it was regular canola oil.
However, when people began reporting they were feeling ill after eating at the shop, the pizzeria owner then realized the oil used might have been infused with THC. Sure enough, tests revealed that was the case.
The pizza shop was voluntarily closed while the investigation took place, but was able to open a few days later after "cleaning and sanitizing following standards in the Wisconsin Food Code."
The CDC report states a police investigation determined the distribution of the THC-infused food was unintentional and no criminal charges were filed.
To prevent possible future contamination, the CDC recommends: "Regulations 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."
