Chili’s Customers Drink Margaritas Made with Cleaning Product Mistaken for Sugar

Foothills Health District (FHD) responded to three customers with chemical burns at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, on Oct. 28. Health officials found that three restaurantgoers drank margaritas mistakenly prepared with a cleaning chemical instead of sugar. Two restaurant employees also reported symptoms after exposure to the substance.

After being notified, FHD immediately launched an investigation, suspended the restaurant’s food service permit and required corrective actions to address potential contamination. According to preliminary findings, during the early morning hours of Oct. 26, a restaurant employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contracted worker who was power washing the exterior and placed it in an unlabeled container. The container was brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area.

On the morning of Oct. 28, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service found the unlabeled container and, believing it contained sugar, used the chemical to prepare the Margarita station. Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers ordered Margaritas and immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths. After consuming the beverages, the customers notified restaurant staff and left to seek medical attention. Two restaurant employees subsequently tested the substance and reported similar symptoms.

After being notified of the incident, the local health department opened an investigation, immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit, and directed staff to wash, rinse and sanitize affected food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.

As of the morning of Oct. 29, FDH finalized the investigation and reinstated the restaurant’s food service permit after determining that the establishment meets all applicable food safety requirements and can safely resume operations.

“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,” said Jason Masters, FHD health director. “Our priority is protecting the health and safety of the public. We are working to ensure that all necessary corrective actions are completed before the restaurant is permitted to open.

The health department also cautioned all food service establishments that chemicals must be properly labeled, stored separately from food and food preparation materials and handled in accordance with applicable food safety regulations. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the chemical should seek medical attention. Individuals experiencing symptoms following a chemical exposure may also contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.