Several customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, reported chemical burns Wednesday after an industrial cleaning product was mistakenly used in margaritas instead of sugar or salt.
The Foothills Health District said the incident occurred at the restaurant in Rutherford County.
Three customers drank the contaminated margaritas, while two Chili’s employees also developed symptoms after tasting or handling the substance, according to preliminary information from the health district.
FILE – Chili’s customers suffered chemical burns after a cleaning product mistaken for sugar or salt was used in margaritas. (Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Health officials said the apparent mistake started Monday, when a contracted worker gave an employee an industrial degreaser. The product was placed in a container that had no label.
The unmarked container was taken into the restaurant and left near the bar.
On Wednesday, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service found it and reportedly assumed it contained sugar or salt. The chemical was then used while setting up the margarita station, according to the Foothills Health District.
Soon after the restaurant opened, three customers consumed the drinks and “immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths.”
When the customers notified restaurant staff, two employees tasted the substance and experienced similar reactions.
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FILE – Three customers sought medical care after contaminated margaritas caused burns in and around their mouths. (Chili’s)
In a statement to News Outlet, Chili’s said it acted immediately to assist the people affected and prevent additional injuries.
“We are aware of an isolated incident at our restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina that resulted in injuries to two of our guests and Team Members. Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries. We are actively investigating the circumstances related to this incident as the health and wellbeing of our guests and Team Members remain our top priority,” the company said.
Chili’s reported a different number from the Foothills Health District, which said three customers suffered chemical burns after drinking the margaritas.
The health district suspended the restaurant’s food service permit while officials investigated the incident.
The permit was reinstated Thursday after specialists determined that the restaurant otherwise complied with food safety requirements.
FILE – Two Chili’s employees reported symptoms after tasting the substance used in the margarita preparation. (Chili’s)
The Foothills Health District reminded North Carolina food service operators that all chemicals must be clearly labeled and stored away from areas where food is prepared or handled.
“This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling in food service establishments, as required by the North Carolina Food Code, to prevent chemical contamination and protect public health,” Jason Masters, the health director of Foothills Health District, said in a statement.
