**Lawsuit Filed After Oregon Middle School Serves Pretzels Contaminated with Oven Cleaner**
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In a concerning incident that has sent shockwaves through a Tigard, Oregon, community, a family has initiated legal action against a middle school after their son reportedly consumed a pretzel tainted with oven cleaner. The lawsuit, filed in Washington County Circuit Court, seeks damages approaching $950,000, citing claims of negligence, strict liability, unlawful confinement, and violations of civil rights.
The incident occurred at Fowler Middle School, where more than 50 students were served soft pretzels that had been inadvertently coated with Alto-Shaam oven cleaner during a lunch period in September. According to school officials, 37 contaminated pretzels were distributed, prompting immediate concern and an investigation. Principal Cindy Pellicci issued a statement to parents, expressing her regret over the incident and emphasising the school’s commitment to student safety.
Parent Kaylee Spiering provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the contamination, suggesting that the kitchen staff mistook crushed oven cleaner tablets for salt. “The bag was left on the counter, and someone mistook it for salt to sprinkle on the pretzels,” Spiering explained. Following the incident, the family’s lawsuit named not only the Tigard-Tualatin School District but also Principal Pellicci and the lead kitchen worker responsible for the contamination.
According to court documents, the student referenced in the lawsuit, known as L.L., experienced immediate discomfort after consuming one of the tainted pretzels. He reported a burning sensation in his mouth and throat, alongside chest pain, stomach upset, and anxiety about returning to school meals. Health experts warn that ingesting sodium hydroxide, a component in many oven cleaners, can lead to severe health complications, including spontaneous vomiting and possible corrosive injuries to the digestive tract.
The timeline of events raises additional concerns, particularly regarding the response of school officials after the mistake was recognised. The lawsuit claims that Poison Control was not contacted until nearly half an hour had passed since staff became aware of the contamination. Furthermore, L.L. was allegedly held in a room for approximately an hour for monitoring before being sent back to class, with his parents not informed until a letter was distributed to all families two hours post-incident.
Initial investigations conducted by the police concluded without further action once they spoke to the kitchen lead. They reportedly did not find sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for any criminal activity related to the incident. This decision has further frustrated L.L.’s family, who expressed their dissatisfaction with how the school has managed the situation and communicated with parents.
Further revelations from the investigation indicated confusion and inconsistency in the school staff’s account of the event. A substitute kitchen worker reportedly tasted the seasoning and quickly identified it as oven cleaner. However, the lead kitchen worker allegedly referred to the substance as soap when discussing the incident with school administrators, leading to uncertainty regarding the safety protocols within the kitchen environment.
In light of these events, the Fowler Middle School community is left seeking answers and reassurance about the safety measures in place to protect students. The lawsuit highlights the wider implications of such negligence within educational institutions, spotlighting the urgent need for enhanced training and communication practices among school staff, particularly in food handling and safety procedures.
As the legal process unfolds, it is expected to shine a spotlight not only on this specific incident but also on the protocols employed by schools across the country when it comes to food safety and response to health emergencies. For the family involved, the incident has had a profound impact on their child’s wellbeing and trust in the school’s ability to keep students safe.