Three Customers Burned by Degreaser in Chili’s Margaritas

Three customers at a Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina, suffered chemical burns around their mouths after drinking margaritas made with a granulated degreaser mistakenly believed to be sugar or salt; two employees who tasted the substance also reported symptoms. The Foothills Health District said the chemical had been left in an unlabeled container in the bar area after being brought to the restaurant by a contractor, and an employee used it while preparing the margarita station. The district suspended the restaurant’s food service permit and ordered affected areas and equipment cleaned and sanitized; after completing its investigation and confirming corrective measures, officials reinstated the permit. Chili’s said it took immediate steps to assist those affected and is investigating the incident.