Five Suffer Chemical Burns After Cleaning Chemical Used in Margaritas at Forest City Chili's

Foothills Health District confirms chemical exposure incident following initial reports Wednesday. The restaurant's food service permit has been reinstated.

Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns after a cleaning chemical was mistaken for sugar and used to prepare margaritas at Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, according to a statement from the Foothills Health District, which manages the Rutherford County and McDowell County health departments.

The health district confirmed the incident Thursday, Oct. 29, following reports of an incident at the restaurant Wednesday.

According to investigators, the chemical entered the restaurant early Monday, Oct. 26, when an employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor power washing the building's exterior.

The substance was placed in an unlabeled container and left in the bar area.

On Wednesday morning, an employee preparing for lunch service mistook the chemical for sugar and used it to prepare the margarita station.

Shortly after opening, three customers ordered margaritas and immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths. The customers notified restaurant staff and left to seek medical attention.

Two employees subsequently tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms.

The health district immediately suspended the restaurant's food service permit and ordered affected preparation areas, equipment and surfaces to be cleaned and sanitized.

By Thursday morning, environmental health specialists had completed their investigation and reinstated the permit after determining the restaurant 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 Foothills Health District.

North Carolina's Food Code requires chemical containers to be properly identified and toxic substances stored to prevent food contamination.

Officials did not identify the cleaning product, disclose the severity of the injuries or indicate whether anyone required hospitalization.

The health district said it will continue monitoring the situation.

Anyone who believes they were exposed should seek medical attention or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.