North Carolina Chili’s customers allegedly suffer facial burns after cleaning chemical and Margarita mix-up

An investigation into a North Carolina Chili’s restaurant occurred after multiple people experienced chemical burns after drinking a beverage containing a cleaning chemical. Three customers at the restaurant were reportedly affected after an employee allegedly mistook granulated degreasing chemical for sugar.

According to News 13, a press release from the Foothills Health District said preliminary findings of the investigation found that on Monday, October 26, a Chili’s worker at the Forest City location received a “granulated degreasing chemical” from a contracted worker who had been power-washing the outside of the restaurant. 

The chemical had reportedly been put in an unlabeled container, and the container was later brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area. Two days later, on October 28, an employee found the container and believed the chemical to be sugar. They then used the contents to prepare margaritas, which were later drunk by three customers.

The Chili’s customers felt discomfort

Upon drinking the margaritas, the customers “immediately experienced discomfort.” They reportedly experienced chemical burns in and around their mouths. They informed staff of the situation before leaving to seek medical assistance. Two Chili’s employees also tested the substance themselves and experienced similar symptoms.

Foothills Health District spokesperson Megan Rollins said that it wasn’t yet clear the “degree of chemical burns [the customers] had, but they went to urgent care and were treated there.”

Levonne Baker, a Chili’s regular who spoke to News 13 said that they were “beyond surprised and almost scared” by the incident. He likened it to a horror movie, telling the outlet, “It’s like a Wes Craven story that’s coming to life. I mean, you don’t get margaritas that can burn your skin.”

The health department’s response

The Forest City Chili’s location was issued an immediate suspension of its food service permit after the investigation into the incident was opened. This is a standard response to a case of chemical food poisoning, as per foodsafety.gov. Customers are also advised to report cases of suspected food poisoning to their local health department so that public officials can investigate.

Following the Chili’s closure, staff were also instructed to thoroughly wash and sanitize affected food, preparation areas, equipment, and surfaces.

The investigation into the Chili’s restaurant was completed on Thursday, and the food service permit at the location has since been reinstated. Officials determined that the restaurant had met “all applicable food safety requirements.”

However, customers remain wary. Baker claimed he was “nervous about going back to the bar,” adding, “What’s in there next? I mean, am I going to be the next person who’s going next door?”