Three customers and 2 employees suffered chemical burns after a cleaning chemical was mistakenly used instead of sugar to prepare margaritas at a Chili’s restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina, health officials said.
The incident happened on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the restaurant’s bar area. According to the Foothills Health District (FHD), an employee mistakenly used a granulated degreasing chemical to prepare the drinks after finding it in an unlabeled container.
The container had been brought inside the restaurant on Monday by an employee who received the chemical from a contractor power-washing the building’s exterior. It was then left in the bar area without a label identifying its contents.
Three customers ordered margaritas after the restaurant opened and immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths. They alerted staff before leaving to seek medical treatment.
Two employees later tasted the substance in the container and also experienced similar symptoms. The affected individuals were treated at a medical facility, according to health officials.
The FHD launched an investigation and immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit. Staff were ordered to wash and sanitize affected food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.
The permit was reinstated Thursday after inspectors determined the restaurant met all applicable food safety requirements and could resume operations.