Three Chili’s customers in Forest City, North Carolina, reported chemical burns after drinking margaritas mixed with an industrial cleaner, according to the Foothills Health District, as reported by Fox News. Two employees also reported symptoms after tasting the substance, the health district said.
What health officials say happened
Preliminary findings from the Foothills Health District indicate the mix-up began Monday, when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and put it in an unmarked container. The container was brought inside and left in the bar area, the district said, per Fox News.
Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch believed the unlabeled substance was sugar or salt and used it to set up the margarita station, according to the district. Shortly after opening, three customers drank the contaminated beverages and “immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths,” the district said. After the customers alerted staff, two employees tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms. The district said three customers sought medical attention.
Food service permit suspended
The Foothills Health District temporarily suspended the restaurant’s food service permit following the incident, Fox News reported.
Chili’s response
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Chili’s said: “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.”
Chili’s statement cites injuries to two guests, while the health district’s preliminary findings say three customers experienced chemical burns.
What we don’t know yet
Fox News’ report does not identify the cleaner by brand or concentration, detail the severity of injuries, or state the current condition of those affected. It also does not specify whether any additional investigations are underway or when the food service permit might be reinstated.
