A serious incident at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, has raised concerns about food safety and restaurant protocols after three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns from drinks containing cleaning agents. The restaurant reopened the following day despite the alarming incident.
Authorities reported that on October 26, shortly after the establishment opened for lunch, customers began to experience pain and burns around their mouths after consuming margaritas. The Foothills Health District confirmed the events, stating the chemical used was mistakenly added to the drinks instead of sugar.
According to a statement from health officials, two employees who tasted the margaritas also reported similar symptoms. The establishment was temporarily closed for investigation, which revealed that a worker had misidentified an unlabeled container of cleaning chemical as sugar, leading to the unfortunate mix-up.
Megan Rollins, a spokesperson for the Foothills Health District, indicated that the investigation into the incident has been concluded without fines levied against the restaurant. The injuries were treated, but specific details regarding the victims’ conditions have not been disclosed.
Chili’s corporate office issued a statement emphasizing that this incident was isolated to the Forest City location and that they have implemented measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. “Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid further injuries,” the spokesperson said.
The restaurant, located about 60 miles west of Charlotte, has since resumed normal operations. However, this incident sheds light on the importance of proper labeling and handling of food preparation materials in the hospitality industry.
Photo credit: Callaghan O'Hare
