Chemical Mix-Up Injures Chili's Customers in North Carolina

A chemical contamination incident at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, left three customers with chemical burns after they consumed margaritas prepared with an industrial cleaning product mistakenly identified as sugar or salt. The Foothills Health District said two restaurant employees also experienced symptoms after exposure to the substance.

According to preliminary findings released by the health district, the incident began Monday when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and transferred it into an unlabeled container.

The container was subsequently brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area. Two days later, another employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the container and mistakenly believed it contained sugar or salt.

The employee then used the chemical while preparing the margarita station, according to the health district. Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers consumed the contaminated beverages.

The health district said the customers immediately experienced physical reactions after drinking the margaritas.

"Immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths."

After the customers alerted restaurant staff, two employees also tasted the substance and developed similar symptoms, according to the preliminary investigation.

Chili's provided a separate account of the number of injured people in a statement to Fox News Digital. The company acknowledged injuries involving two guests and two team members, differing from the health district's preliminary report of three affected customers.

"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 said.

The company said it had taken immediate measures to assist those affected and prevent additional injuries. It also confirmed that an internal investigation into the circumstances was underway.

The Foothills Health District launched an investigation following the incident and immediately suspended the restaurant's food service permit. The suspension was lifted Thursday after specialists determined that the establishment met all other food safety requirements.

Jason Masters, health director of the Foothills Health District, emphasized the importance of following established procedures for handling chemicals in food service businesses.

"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," Jason Masters said.

The health district also reminded food service establishments across North Carolina that chemicals must carry proper labels and be stored separately from food preparation and handling areas. The guidance is intended to prevent accidental contamination and protect customers and restaurant employees.