Dozens of Oregon families were shaken this week after pretzels contaminated with an oven-cleaning chemical were accidentally served to students at Fowler Middle School in the Tigard-Tualatin School District. According to district officials, 37 pretzels were mistakenly contaminated with a granulated oven cleaner—identified as Alto-Shaam, which contains sodium hydroxide, a caustic substance that can cause painful and dangerous internal burns.
What We Know About the Incident
On Monday, school staff served the contaminated pretzels to students before realizing the mistake. The district reports that up to 50 students were affected, and several experienced mouth or throat discomfort.
Fortunately, no hospitalizations were reported. The Oregon Poison Center was contacted immediately, and families of all students who may have eaten any portion of the pretzels were notified. Principal Cindy Pellicci stated that safety protocols were followed as staff quickly identified students and checked for symptoms.
However, sodium hydroxide ingestion is not a minor risk. According to the CDC, consuming oven-cleaner chemicals can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, burns, perforations of the gastrointestinal tract, and even shock. While the worst outcomes appear to have been avoided, the emotional and medical impacts on students and families are real.
The district attributes the event to “human error”, and states it is conducting a full investigation. Officials have also said the district will reimburse families for medical expenses related to the incident.
Why Incidents Like This Matter
Schools have a legal duty to provide safe meals and a secure environment. Chemical contamination in school food is a preventable hazard, and when protocols fail, families are often left searching for answers, accountability, and assurances that it will not happen again.
Important Deadline: Oregon Tort Claims Act Notice Required Within 180 Days
Because school districts are public entities, any claim for injuries caused by negligence falls under the Oregon Tort Claims Act (OTCA). Under the OTCA, families must provide written notice of their claim within 180 days of the incident. This notice requirement is strict—failing to submit timely notice can bar a family from seeking compensation, no matter how valid the claim. If your child was affected by the contaminated pretzels, it is important to consult an attorney promptly to ensure proper notice is filed and your rights are protected.
Civil Remedies: How a Lawsuit Can Help Families Get Answers
A civil claim is often one of the few tools families have to uncover what really happened and to push institutions to improve safety procedures. Potential legal remedies may include:
1. Medical Expense Reimbursement
Even if the district promises repayment, a civil claim can help ensure complete and documented compensation, including follow-up care and toxic exposure evaluations.
2. Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress
Children who experienced burning, fear, or lingering anxiety may be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages.
3. Accountability and Transparency
Civil discovery can uncover:
how contamination occurred,
whether safety protocols were followed,
whether staff were properly trained, and
what measures the district is taking to prevent future incidents.
4. Policy Changes and Safety Reforms
Many school districts improve food safety only after litigation forces change. A civil case can help ensure that this preventable event never happens again—whether at Fowler Middle School or elsewhere in Oregon.
5. Group or Coordinated Claims
With dozens of students potentially impacted, families may consider coordinated claims to seek remedies efficiently and consistently.
Moving Forward
As the Tigard-Tualatin School District continues its investigation, families deserve clarity, support, and accountability. Civil legal remedies can help provide those answers—and ensure that no child is ever served a hazardous chemical in their school lunch again.
If your child was affected and you want to understand your options, a consultation with an Oregon attorney experienced in school liability, toxic exposure, and negligence claims can help you make informed decisions.