Multiple customers at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, reported experiencing chemical burns after consuming margaritas that had been prepared with an industrial cleaning chemical that was mistaken for sugar or salt.
The incident unfolded at the restaurant on Wednesday, with three customers consuming the contaminated margaritas. Shortly after, they "immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths." Two restaurant employees also tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms after exposure to the chemical.
According to preliminary findings, the mix-up began on Monday when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and placed it in an unmarked container. The container was then brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area. Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the unlabeled container and, believing its contents to be sugar or salt, used the chemical to prepare the margarita station.
Chili's issued a statement saying the company took immediate action to support those affected and is actively investigating the circumstances related to the incident. The company's account differed from the Foothills Health District's preliminary findings, which said three customers experienced chemical burns after consuming the margaritas.
The Foothills Health District launched an investigation and immediately suspended the restaurant's food service permit. However, after specialists determined the restaurant met all other food safety standards, the permit was reinstated on Thursday. The incident led to a reminder from the health district about the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling in food service establishments.
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