Lawsuit Filed After Middle Schoolers Given Pretzels Coated With Oven Cleaner
A family in Oregon has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $1 million from a school district after a kitchen mix-up led to middle school students being served pretzels seasoned with crushed oven cleaner instead of salt.
The suit, filed in Washington County Circuit Court, targets the Tigard-Tualatin School District over an incident at Fowler Middle School in Tigard, Oregon, last October. The case had largely faded from the headlines after police closed their investigation and the district attributed the incident to human error.
What Happened at Fowler Middle School
In October 2025, pretzels contaminated with oven cleaner were mistakenly served to students during a sixth-grade lunch period. Early reports from the school said 37 pretzels had been served before the contamination was discovered. District records later showed that more than 50 students ate all or part of the tainted pretzels.
According to the district, a kitchen staff member mistook the oven cleaner for salt.
Staff quickly identified the affected students and followed safety procedures, according to school officials at the time. Students who ate the pretzels were told to rinse their mouths with water, eat bland foods such as bread or a granola bar and watch for symptoms over the next 24 hours.
The school also said it contacted each family individually if their student reported eating any part of a pretzel. Parents were told to call poison control if symptoms continued, or to contact a medical provider or call 911.
The Oregon Poison Center advised that the oven cleaner involved can cause a burning feeling or vomiting if swallowed in significant amounts.
What the Lawsuit Claims
The family’s lawsuit was filed Sept. 9. It names the school district, the lead kitchen worker who put the oven cleaner on the pretzels and Fowler Middle School Principal Cindy Pellicci.
The suit lays out seven claims, including strict liability and negligence. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The family is seeking nearly $1 million in damages. Coverage of the lawsuit has not detailed the specific effects the student is alleged to have experienced, and the family’s attorneys had not publicly commented in the reports available.
How the District Responded
The Tigard-Tualatin School District has described the incident as human error. When asked about the lawsuit, the district said it could not comment on pending litigation.
The district did confirm that the kitchen lead involved in the incident still works for the district. It has previously said that changes are being made in response to what happened, though some parents have said they still want accountability.
Tigard police investigated the incident and later closed the case.
What Parents Should Know About Chemical Exposures
Incidents like this are rare, but they’re a reminder of how important it is for cleaning products to be clearly labeled and stored away from food.
If a child swallows a household chemical, poison control experts recommend acting quickly. In the U.S., the Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, connects callers with their local poison center at any time of day. Specialists can advise whether symptoms can be managed at home or whether a child needs medical care.
Signs that may warrant immediate attention include trouble breathing, severe pain, repeated vomiting or burns in or around the mouth. In an emergency, call 911.
For now, the lawsuit is making its way through the Washington County court system. The case is likely to keep a spotlight on food safety practices in school kitchens, and on how districts respond when something goes wrong.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.