Staff Reports

An example of Rosca de Reyes (or Three Kings Bread) (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

Santa Ana – On Tues., Jan. 6, the Orange County Health Care Agency closed Cholula’s Bakery in the City of Santa Ana to begin a food-borne illness investigation after receiving several reports of illness related to eating Rosca de Reyes Bread distributed by the bakery on Jan. 5 and 6.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the O.C. Sheriff’s Crime Lab results from analysis of product samples of the bread returned positive for JWH122 – classified as a “synthetic cannabinoid,” which mimics some of the symptoms of cannabis consumption.

Wikipedia states synthetic cannabis/cannabinoids as synthetic marijuana, the effects of which are categorized in the genre of “designer drugs” and are sold as natural highs under brand names such as K2 or Spice (often termed a “spice product”).

Adverse health effects associated with ingesting synthetic cannabinoids include seizures, hallucinations, paranoid behavior, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, racing heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.

Cholula’s Bakery was initially closed until the investigation into the food-borne illness was completed, and it was confirmed that the bakery completed a professional restaurant-grade cleaning of the establishment, disposed of all opened foods and all ingredients used to make the Rosca de Reyes bread, and completed mandatory food safety training for all employees.

With the synthetic drug findings by the O.C. Sheriff’s Crime Lab, the future of Cholula’s Bakery may be in jeopardy.  The case has been returned to the Santa Ana Police Department for criminal investigation.

Anyone who believes they have consumed the tainted bread is encouraged to contact the Santa Ana Police Crimes Against Persons Unit at (714) 245-8390.