Chili’s patrons and staff hospitalized after chemical exposure in drink mix-up
Five people received medical treatment for chemical burns after staff at a North Carolina Chili’s mistook industrial degreaser for sugar when rimming margarita glasses.
Three customers and two employees were treated at an urgent care facility following a chemical exposure incident at a Chili’s Grill & Bar location in Forest City, North Carolina. The incident occurred when a worker, believing a container of granulated degreaser to be sugar, used the substance to rim glasses for margaritas.
The hazardous substance had been left at the location by a third-party contractor who had performed power-washing services on the building. The container was unlabeled, leading to the error by restaurant staff during the Wednesday lunch shift. Those who ingested the substance reported an immediate burning sensation, which prevented further consumption.
The Foothills Health District has suspended the restaurant's food service permit while environmental health specialists investigate the storage protocols. Chili’s management stated they are cooperating with health officials and reviewing internal safety procedures.