Full Breakdown
Chili’s Grill & Bar Margarita Mishap Leads to Chemical Burns in Forest City, N.C.
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In this breakdown
01
Incident Overview
At a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, a cleaning chemical was mistakenly used to prepare margaritas. Employees placed a granulated degreasing agent in an unlabeled container, which was later assumed to be sugar or salt. When the substance was added to the margarita station, three customers who drank the beverages reported immediate chemical burns in and around their mouths. Two restaurant employees who tasted the mixture experienced similar symptoms.
02
Timeline of Events
- October 26 (occurred) – An employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contracted power-washing worker and stored it in an unlabeled container that was later left in the bar area.
- Two days later (Wednesday) – A different employee found the container, believed it contained sugar, and used it to prepare the margarita station.
- Later that day – Three customers consumed the contaminated drinks and reported burns; two employees subsequently tasted the substance and reported comparable symptoms.
- The following morning (Thursday) – Environmental health specialists completed their investigation, suspended the restaurant’s food-service permit, required thorough cleaning, and then reinstated the permit after confirming compliance with all applicable food-safety requirements.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Affected Individuals
- Customers: Three patrons suffered chemical burns in the oral cavity.
- Employees: Two staff members reported similar burns after tasting the mislabeled substance.
04
Official Statements & Responses
The Foothills Health District opened an investigation, immediately suspended the Chili’s food-service permit, and ordered comprehensive sanitation of the bar area and equipment. After confirming that the restaurant met all food-safety standards, the district reinstated the permit on Thursday. Health Director Jason Masters emphasized that the incident underscores the need for proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling under the North Carolina Food Code. Spokesperson Megan Rollins noted that clear labeling also aids rapid identification and response by poison-control services when exposures occur.
05
Customer Reactions
Regular patron Levonne Baker described the experience as “beyond surprised and almost scared,” likening it to a horror-movie scenario. He expressed lingering nervousness about returning to the bar, questioning what other substances might be present.
06
Safety Implications
The incident highlights a critical gap in workplace chemical management: unlabeled containers can be mistaken for food ingredients, leading to direct consumer harm. Health officials advise any individual who suspects chemical exposure to contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
07
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Jason Masters, the health director of Foothills Health District
- “I was beyond surprised and almost scared,” — Levonne Baker
- “It's like a Wes Craven story that's coming to life. I mean, you don't get margaritas that can burn your skin,” — Levonne Baker
08
What’s Next
The Foothills Health District continues to monitor compliance with labeling and storage protocols at food-service establishments throughout the region. No additional regulatory actions have been announced at this time.