URGENT UPDATE: A shocking incident at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, Oregon, has confirmed that students were served pretzels contaminated with granular oven cleaner earlier this week. School officials reported this alarming food safety failure in an email sent to families, igniting widespread concern among parents and the community.
The incident occurred during lunch on Monday, when the hazardous substance was “mistakenly applied” to the pretzels served to students. In the email, officials stated, “Understandably, we’ve heard a lot of concern around Monday’s food-contamination accident.” They expressed regret for the incident and reassured parents that they are committed to the well-being of all students.
Immediately following the exposure, district officials contacted Oregon Poison Control to identify affected students and monitor them for symptoms. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding how the oven cleaner ended up on the food. The school confirmed an ongoing investigation into the matter but has not yet released further details.
In a statement, officials emphasized, “At this time, a formal inquiry is underway. While we are limited in what we can share while that process is ongoing, please know that it is being handled with the seriousness and care it deserves.” They also mentioned a comprehensive review of safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
Concerned parents, including Kianna Bell, voiced their distress after receiving notifications from the school. Bell reported that her child consumed part of one of the contaminated pretzels. “Because they haven’t given us any contextual information, it’s pretty much just like we follow protocol, we call poison control,” she stated. “I want accountability. I want preventative measures. I want an investigation. I want an explanation.”
The distress among parents is palpable as they demand clear answers regarding how the contamination occurred and what steps will be taken to ensure the safety of their children. Parents are calling for swift accountability and transparency as the investigation unfolds.
As this situation develops, many are left wondering about the immediate health implications for the students involved and what measures will be implemented to restore trust in the school’s food safety protocols. The school district is facing heightened scrutiny as it navigates this serious food safety breach.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold, and authorities work diligently to address the concerns of both parents and students in the wake of this unsettling incident.
