Three customers suffered chemical burns after drinking margaritas mistakenly prepared with an industrial cleaning chemical at a Chili’s restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina. Two employees also reported symptoms after tasting the substance. The Foothills Health District temporarily suspended the restaurant’s food service permit while it investigated the incident. The permit was reinstated after specialists determined that the restaurant met other food safety requirements.
| 1) | Chemical entered the restaurant through a labeling error |
| 2) | Contaminated margaritas reached customers |
| 3) | Health officials suspended and restored the permit |
| 4) | Restaurant response differed from preliminary findings |
| 5) | Incident prompts reminder about chemical safety |
Chemical entered the restaurant through a labeling error
The incident involved an industrial degreaser that was supplied to a restaurant employee by a contracted worker on Monday. According to preliminary findings from the Foothills Health District, the employee placed the chemical in an unmarked container. The container was then brought into the Forest City restaurant and left in the bar area.
Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service found the unlabeled container. Believing it held sugar or salt, the employee used the substance while preparing the margarita station. The health district said the failure to identify and separate the chemical created the conditions for accidental contamination.
Contaminated margaritas reached customers
Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers consumed margaritas made with the contaminated substance. The customers immediately reported discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths, according to the health district’s preliminary account.
After customers alerted restaurant staff, two employees tasted the substance and experienced similar symptoms. The three customers sought medical attention. The available accounts identify the affected people as three customers and two employees, although the restaurant described the number of injured guests and team members differently in its statement.
Health officials suspended and restored the permit
The Foothills Health District opened an investigation after learning about the incident and immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit. The action temporarily stopped food service while specialists assessed the restaurant’s procedures and conditions.
The permit was reinstated on Thursday after specialists determined that the restaurant met all other food safety standards. The reinstatement addressed the restaurant’s broader compliance status, while the circumstances surrounding the chemical mix-up remained under investigation.
Restaurant response differed from preliminary findings
The restaurant said it took immediate steps to support those affected and prevent additional injuries. In a company statement, it described the event as an isolated incident at its Forest City location and said it was actively investigating what happened.
“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.”
The company’s statement referred to injuries involving two guests and team members, while the health district’s preliminary findings said three customers suffered chemical burns. The differing accounts had not been reconciled in the information available.
Incident prompts reminder about chemical safety
The health district used the case to remind food service businesses across North Carolina that chemicals must be clearly labeled and stored away from food-handling areas. These requirements are intended to prevent cleaning products and other hazardous substances from being mistaken for ingredients.
Jason Masters, the district’s health director, said the incident demonstrated why proper labeling, storage and handling are essential under the North Carolina Food Code. The safety measures apply to restaurants and other establishments that prepare or serve food and beverages.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An industrial degreaser was placed in an unmarked container and mistaken for a food ingredient. |
| 2 | Three customers suffered chemical burns after drinking contaminated margaritas. |
| 3 | Two employees reported symptoms after tasting the substance. |
| 4 | The food service permit was suspended and reinstated after a safety review. |
| 5 | Officials reiterated the need to label and separate chemicals from food areas. |
Summary
The Forest City incident resulted from an industrial cleaning chemical being stored in an unmarked container and later mistaken for salt or sugar during beverage preparation. The injuries led to a temporary permit suspension and an investigation, while the restaurant said it was supporting those affected. Health officials emphasized that clear labeling and secure chemical storage are basic safeguards required to protect customers and employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the chemical burns?
An industrial degreaser was mistakenly used to prepare margaritas after it had been placed in an unmarked container and mistaken for sugar or salt.
How many people were affected?
The Foothills Health District said three customers suffered chemical burns and two employees reported symptoms after tasting the substance. The restaurant’s statement cited a different count involving guests and team members.
What happened to the restaurant’s permit?
Health officials immediately suspended the food service permit during the investigation. It was reinstated on Thursday after specialists found that the restaurant met other food safety standards.
What safety measure did officials emphasize?
Officials reminded food service businesses to properly label chemicals and store them away from food-handling areas, as required by the North Carolina Food Code.
