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Multiple customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar reported experiencing chemical burns Wednesday after consuming margaritas that had been prepared with an industrial cleaning chemical that was mistaken for sugar or salt.
The Foothills Health District said the incident unfolded at a restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina.
Three customers consumed the contaminated margaritas, while two restaurant employees also reportedly experienced symptoms after exposure to the chemical, according to the health district.
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FILE – Chili’s customers suffered chemical burns after a cleaning chemical mistaken for sugar or salt was used to make margaritas. (Michael P. Farrell/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
According to preliminary findings, the mix-up began Monday when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and placed it in an unmarked container.
The container was then brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area.
Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the unlabeled container and, believing its contents to be sugar or salt, used the chemical to prepare the margarita station, the health district said.
Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers consumed the contaminated beverages and “immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths.”
After the customers alerted staff, two employees also tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms.
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FILE – Three customers sought medical attention after contaminated margaritas caused chemical burns in and around their mouths. (Chili’s)
In a statement to 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.
The company’s account differed from the Foothills Health District’s preliminary findings, which said three customers experienced chemical burns after consuming the margaritas.
After the Foothills Health District launched an investigation, the restaurant’s food service permit was immediately suspended.
It was quickly reinstated on Thursday after specialists determined the restaurant met all other food safety standards.
FILE – Two Chili’s employees also experienced symptoms after tasting the substance that had been used to prepare margaritas. (Chili’s)
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The health district used the incident to remind all food service establishments in North Carolina that chemicals must be properly labeled and stored away from food-handling areas.
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“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, the health director of Foothills Health District, said in a statement.
