Oregon School Accused of Serving Chemical-Dusted Pretzels to Students

A lawsuit filed by the parents of a sixth-grade boy alleges that an Oregon school served pretzels dusted with chemical cleaner instead of salt, causing the child to suffer burns to his throat, mouth, and gastrointestinal tract. The incident occurred on October 20, 2025, at Fowler Middle School.

According to the legal filing, tablets of Alto-Shaam concentrated oven cleaner were allegedly crushed and sprinkled onto soft pretzels consumed by the student, identified as 'L.L.', and his classmates. The chemical, which contains lye and other corrosive ingredients, was reportedly not stored properly and was added to the snack by the school's lead cook, Joyce A. Webb.

The school district was alerted to the situation around 11 a.m. after discovering that 37 contaminated pretzels had been served and approximately 50 students had consumed them shortly after 10:30 a.m. Parents were notified via email around 11:45 a.m.

The lawsuit states that the boy informed administrators he did not feel well and experienced burning in his throat and stomach pain. Despite this, he was reportedly sent back to class, and his parents were told he had not exhibited symptoms.

During an investigation by the Tigard Police Department, other staff members indicated that Webb initially appeared hesitant to instruct students to stop eating the pretzels. A substitute staffer, Chloe Larson, reportedly tasted the seasoning herself and experienced burning in her mouth. She then identified the substance on the pretzels.

Webb told investigators that she was in a hurry and accidentally used the chemicals on the food while preparing to clean the school's commercial steamer. The lawsuit notes that the cleaner tablets are intended for ovens only and are not meant to be crushed.

The Tigard-Tualatin School District and Fowler Middle School Principal Cindy Pellicci are named as co-defendants in the lawsuit. The parents are seeking up to $950,220.85, citing negligence, unlawful confinement, and civil rights violations. They also allege that 'L.L.' experienced emotional distress and ongoing psychological impacts.

The Tigard-Tualatin School District stated it cannot comment on pending litigation. Attorneys for the defendants have not yet filed a response to the complaint. Pellicci and Webb did not immediately respond to requests for comment.