A North Carolina Chili’s Grill & Bar had its food service permit suspended after a drink mix-up that left customers with chemical burns.
The restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina, did get its permit restored, but only after the Foothills Health District investigation determined that food safety standards were being met. The incident occurred Wednesday after customers who ordered margaritas suffered chemical burns from the drinks made with an industrial cleaning chemical.
The chemical was reportedly mistaken for sugar or salt when the drinks were prepared, and multiple customers “immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths,” according to the health district, as reported by Fox News.
(Video: FOX2)
“According to preliminary findings, the mix-up began Monday when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and placed it in an unmarked container,” Fox News reported.
“The container was then brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area,” it continued. “Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the unlabeled container and, believing its contents to be sugar or salt, used the chemical to prepare the margarita station, the health district said.”
Three customers reportedly consumed the drinks and, after alerting staff, two employees tasted the product as well, all experiencing the same symptoms.
“We are aware of an isolated incident at our restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina that resulted in injuries to two of our guests and Team Members,” Chili’s said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries. We are actively investigating the circumstances related to this incident as the health and wellbeing of our guests and Team Members remain our top priority.”
Jason Masters, the health director of Foothills Health District, also issued a statement, reminding about the importance of proper labeling and storage.
“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,” he said in a statement.
