Chili’s Customers Suffer Chemical Burns After Cleaner Is Mistaken for Margarita Sugar
Multiple customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, suffered chemical burns after an employee mistakenly used a powdered cleaning chemical instead of sugar to prepare margaritas, according to health officials.
The Foothills Health District said the incident began Oct. 26, when an employee received a powdered degreaser from a contractor pressure-washing the restaurant’s exterior. The employee transferred the chemical into an unlabeled container, which was brought inside and left near the bar.
Two days later, another employee mistook the powder for sugar and used it to prepare the margarita station.
Shortly after the restaurant opened, customers who ordered the drinks reported pain and chemical burns in and around their mouths. They alerted employees before leaving to seek medical treatment, officials said.
Two restaurant employees subsequently tasted the substance and experienced similar symptoms.
The health district launched an investigation and temporarily suspended the restaurant’s food service permit. Officials ordered staff to thoroughly clean and sanitize preparation areas, equipment and surfaces that could have been contaminated.
Inspectors authorized the restaurant to reopen the following morning, Oct. 29, after determining that it met food safety requirements.
The number of customers injured and their medical conditions were not disclosed.
A Chili’s spokesperson said the company was investigating and that employees took immediate action to assist those affected and prevent additional injuries.
Foothills Health District Director Jason Masters said the incident underscored the importance of properly labeling, storing and handling chemicals in food service establishments to prevent contamination.
The health district said it would continue monitoring the situation.
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