Margarita mix-up at North Carolina Chili’s leaves customers with chemical burns

Several customers and employees at a North Carolina Chili’s restaurant were treated for chemical burns after margaritas were mistakenly prepared with a cleaning chemical.

What we know:

Health officials say the exposure happened Wednesday morning at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, shortly after the restaurant opened. Three customers ordered margaritas and reported feeling sick and experiencing burning sensations around their mouths immediately after taking a sip.

The customers alerted restaurant staff, prompting two employees to taste the drinks. Both of whom reported similar symptoms.

The Foothills Health District was notified and immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit, ordering employees to thoroughly wash, rinse and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.

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Dig deeper:

Investigators determined that a couple of days before the incident, an employee had received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor who was pressure-washing the restaurant’s exterior. The chemical was placed in an unlabeled container, brought inside and left in the bar area.

On Wednesday, an employee preparing for lunch service discovered the unlabeled container and mistook its contents for sugar or salt and used the substance to prepare the margarita station, according to health officials.

What they're saying:

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Chili’s said the company took immediate action to support those affected.

"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," the company said.

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Timeline:

By Thursday morning, the Foothills Health District had completed its investigation and reinstated the restaurant’s food service permit after determining that it met applicable food safety requirements.

"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," said Jason Masters, health director of the Foothills Health District. "Our priority is protecting the health and safety of the public. We are working to ensure that all necessary corrective actions are completed before the restaurant is permitted to reopen."

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