Chili’s restaurant in North Carolina serves margaritas containing degreaser

Three customers and two employees at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, suffered chemical burns after consuming margaritas prepared with an industrial degreaser.

The contamination occurred when a contractor performing exterior power washing handed a granulated degreasing chemical to a restaurant employee on October 26. The substance was placed in an unmarked container and left near the bar area. On October 28, a staff member mistook the chemical for sugar or salt and used it to prepare the margarita station.

Customers reported immediate discomfort and burns in and around their mouths after consuming the drinks. Two employees also experienced similar symptoms after tasting the substance to investigate the issue. The Foothills Health District temporarily suspended the restaurant’s food service permit during an investigation, but reinstated it on October 29 after the establishment followed orders to thoroughly clean and sanitize the affected areas. Chili’s described the event as an “isolated incident” that has been addressed.