Several customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in North Carolina reportedly suffered chemical burns Wednesday after an industrial cleaning product, mistakenly identified as sugar or salt, was used in margaritas.
The Foothills Health District said the incident occurred at the restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina.
According to the health district, three customers drank the contaminated margaritas. Two restaurant employees also developed symptoms after being exposed to the chemical.
FILE – Chili’s customers suffered chemical burns after an industrial cleaning chemical mistaken for sugar or salt was used to prepare margaritas. (Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
Preliminary findings indicate that the mix-up started Monday, when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and transferred it to an unmarked container.
The container was taken into the restaurant and left in the bar area.
Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service found the unlabeled container. Believing it held sugar or salt, the employee used the substance while setting up the margarita station, the health district said.
Soon after the restaurant opened, three customers drank the affected beverages and “immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths.”
After the customers notified staff, two employees tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms, according to the health district.
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FILE – Three customers sought medical attention after contaminated margaritas caused chemical burns in and around their mouths. (Chili’s)
In a statement to News Media, Chili’s said it acted quickly to assist those affected and prevent any 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 description differs from the Foothills Health District’s preliminary account, which said three customers suffered chemical burns after drinking the margaritas.
The Foothills Health District immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit while investigating the incident.
Specialists reinstated the permit Thursday after determining that the restaurant met all other food safety requirements.
FILE – Two Chili’s employees also experienced symptoms after tasting the substance used to prepare the margaritas. (Chili’s)
The health district used the incident to remind North Carolina food service businesses that chemicals must be clearly labeled and stored away from areas where food is 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, health director of the Foothills Health District, said in a statement.