Several customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in North Carolina suffered chemical burns after a restaurant employee mistakenly used a cleaning product instead of sugar to prepare margaritas, according to health officials.
The incident occurred at the restaurant in Forest City on Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to a news release from the Foothills Health District (FHD) issued Thursday, Oct. 29.
Three customers ordered margaritas shortly after the restaurant opened and experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths after drinking the beverages, officials said. The customers notified restaurant staff before leaving to seek medical attention.
Two restaurant employees later tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms, according to the health district.
How the Cleaning Product Ended Up in the Margaritas
The health district’s preliminary findings indicate that the incident began in the early morning hours of Monday, Oct. 26, when a restaurant employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor power-washing the building’s exterior.
The employee placed the chemical in an unlabeled container, which was then brought inside and left in the bar area.
On Wednesday morning, another employee discovered the container while preparing the bar for lunch service. Believing the substance was sugar, the employee used it to prepare the restaurant’s margarita station, according to officials.
The mix-up led to the chemical exposure that affected the three customers and two employees.
The Restaurant Had Their Permit Temporarily Suspended
After learning about the incident, Foothills Health District opened an investigation and immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit.
Officials directed restaurant staff to thoroughly wash, rinse and sanitize affected food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.
By the morning of Thursday, Oct. 29, environmental health specialists had completed their investigation and reinstated the restaurant’s permit. Officials determined that the establishment met applicable food safety requirements and could safely resume operations.
Jason Masters, health director of Foothills Health District, said the incident underscores the importance of following food safety rules when handling cleaning products.
“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,” Masters said in the news release.
He added that protecting public health remains the district’s priority and that officials are working to ensure necessary corrective actions are completed before a restaurant is permitted to reopen.
Health Officials Issue Warning After the Scary Mix-Up
Foothills Health District reminded food service establishments that chemicals must be properly labeled, stored separately from food and food preparation materials, and handled according to applicable food safety regulations.
Officials also urged anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the chemical to seek medical attention.
People experiencing symptoms after a suspected chemical exposure can also contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
The health district said it would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Chili’s released a statement to USA TODAY. “Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries,” the statement read. “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 Customers Suffer Chemical Burns After Cleaning Product Mix-Up