Chili's customers suffer chemical burns after dangerous margarita mix-up

An industrial cleaning chemical was mistakenly used to prepare margaritas at a Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina, leading to chemical burns for three customers and two employees. The mix-up occurred when an unmarked container of degreaser was placed in the bar area and later used by an employee believing it to be sugar or salt. The restaurant’s food service permit was temporarily suspended during the investigation.

• Three customers and two employees at a Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina, experienced chemical burns and other symptoms.
• The incident involved an industrial degreaser that was mistaken for sugar or salt and used to prepare margaritas.
• An employee placed an unmarked container of the chemical in the bar area, and another employee used it for drink preparation.
• The Foothills Health District investigated the incident, leading to the temporary suspension of the restaurant’s food service permit.
• The health district emphasized the importance of proper chemical labeling and storage in food service establishments.