Chili's in Forest City Suspended After Margarita Chemical Mix-up
Five people treated for burns after a worker mistook a power-washing cleaner for sugar at the North Carolina restaurant.
By Marcus Reed ·
A Chili's restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina, had its food service permit suspended on Wednesday, October 28, after three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns from margaritas, according to the Foothills Health District.
The health district reported that the error began on Monday, October 26, when an employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor power-washing the building exterior. The worker stored the substance in an unlabeled container and moved it into the bar area, where it remained for two days.
On Wednesday, a second employee preparing the bar for lunch service found the container. Believing the contents to be sugar, the worker used the chemical to set up the margarita station. Shortly after opening, three customers ordered drinks and reported immediate discomfort in and around their mouths. The customers alerted staff and left to seek medical attention.
Two employees later tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms. Foothills Health District spokesperson Megan Rollins told WLOS News 13 that the individuals went to urgent care for treatment. Rollins noted that she was not certain of the degree of the chemical burns but confirmed they received care.
Inspectors immediately suspended the permit and ordered workers to wash, rinse, and sanitize all affected preparation areas and equipment. The district reinstated the permit on the morning of Thursday, October 29, after confirming the restaurant met safety requirements. Jason Masters, the district's health director, said the incident demonstrates the need for proper chemical labeling and storage under the North Carolina Food Code.
The restaurant is one of more than 1,600 Chili's locations operating in 29 countries.
Source: Daily Voice Hackensack · original report published
