An investigation is underway at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, Oregon, after dozens of sixth-grade students were served pretzels contaminated with oven cleaner during their lunch period on Monday. School officials immediately contacted poison control and began notifying parents of the students who may have consumed the food item.
The incident has raised serious questions about food safety protocols within the school's cafeteria. In a letter to families, Principal Cindy Pellicci acknowledged the event caused "significant alarm" and assured the community that the school is taking the matter seriously to ensure student safety.
Key Takeaways
- Thirty-seven pretzels contaminated with oven cleaner were served to sixth graders at Fowler Middle School.
- The school contacted the Oregon Poison Control Center for guidance on managing the situation.
- Parents of students who consumed the pretzels were individually contacted by school staff.
- The source of the contamination is currently unknown and under investigation.
Details of the Food Safety Incident
The incident occurred during the lunch service for sixth-grade students at the Tigard-based middle school. A batch of soft pretzels was unintentionally exposed to a commercial-grade oven cleaner before being distributed to students.
School staff became aware of the issue and acted quickly to stop further distribution. However, by that point, 37 of the contaminated pretzels had already been handed out. It remains unclear how many of those pretzels were partially or fully consumed by the children.
Incident by the Numbers
- 37: The total number of contaminated pretzels distributed.
- 6th Grade: The specific grade level affected by the incident.
- 24 Hours: The period for which parents were advised to monitor their children for symptoms.
In her communication with parents, Principal Cindy Pellicci detailed the immediate steps taken by the school. "We are taking this situation seriously, and it is an unfortunate event; we will continue to ensure student safety," she stated, emphasizing the school's commitment to a thorough response.
Health Risks and Official Medical Advice
Upon discovering the contamination, Fowler Middle School administration promptly consulted with the Oregon Poison Control Center to understand the potential health risks and the appropriate course of action.
The Chemical Involved
The contaminant was identified as Alto Shaam, a brand of oven cleaner. According to poison control experts, ingestion of this chemical can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Consuming it in larger quantities may lead to more severe symptoms, including vomiting.
"We understand that today's food incident created significant alarm within our school community," Principal Cindy Pellicci wrote in a letter sent to families, addressing the concerns directly.
Following the guidance from medical experts, the school issued specific instructions to the families of the affected students. This proactive communication was designed to help parents monitor their children's health and respond appropriately if symptoms appeared.
Instructions for Parents
The school relayed the following advice from the poison control center:
- Students who experienced symptoms should immediately rinse their mouth with water.
- After rinsing, they should consume a neutral food item, such as a granola bar or a piece of bread, to help mitigate any irritation.
- Parents were instructed to continue monitoring their children for any developing symptoms for a full 24 hours after the incident.
At this time, the school has not released information on whether any students reported feeling ill after consuming the pretzels. Each family whose child reported eating a pretzel was contacted directly by a staff member to ensure they received the necessary health guidance.
Understanding Food Contamination in Schools
Food safety in school cafeterias is governed by strict local and federal guidelines. These protocols cover everything from food storage and preparation to the proper use and storage of cleaning chemicals. Incidents involving chemical contamination are considered severe breaches of safety and typically trigger a full review of kitchen procedures, staff training, and chemical handling policies to prevent recurrence.
Investigation and Next Steps
The primary focus for the school district is now on investigating the root cause of the contamination. Officials have not yet explained how a powerful cleaning agent came into contact with food intended for students. This investigation will likely involve a detailed review of cafeteria operations on the day of the incident.
Key questions that investigators will seek to answer include:
- Where were the cleaning chemicals stored in relation to the food preparation areas?
- What were the specific procedures for cleaning kitchen equipment, and were they followed correctly?
- Was there a breakdown in communication or training among cafeteria staff?
The outcome of this investigation will be crucial for implementing corrective actions. The school has pledged to keep the community informed as it works to understand what went wrong and ensure such an event does not happen again. The well-being of the students remains the highest priority for both the school and the concerned families awaiting answers.