Five people, including three customers and two employees, suffered chemical burns after drinking margaritas rimmed with a granulated degreaser at a Chili’s restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina, officials said. The incident occurred on October 28, 2026, after a cleaning chemical was mistakenly used in place of sugar at the bar, according to the Foothills Health District.
The chemical, which had been placed in an unlabeled container by a contractor power-washing the restaurant’s exterior on October 26, was later mistaken for sugar by a staff member preparing margaritas, the health district reported. Three customers who ordered the drinks immediately experienced burns in and around their mouths, prompting them to seek medical attention. Two employees who sampled the substance also developed similar symptoms, according to Megan Rollins, a public information officer for the Foothills Health District.
Timeline of the Incident
On October 26, a contractor hired to clean the restaurant’s exterior placed a granulated degreasing chemical into an unlabeled container and handed it to a Chili’s employee, the Foothills Health District stated. The container was left in the bar area, where it remained unnoticed until October 28. That day, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the container and mistakenly used its contents to rim margaritas, according to a release from the health district.
After consuming the drinks, the three customers reported immediate discomfort and burns, leading them to notify staff and leave for urgent care. The employees who tasted the substance also experienced symptoms, though the severity of the burns remains unspecified. The Foothills Health District suspended the restaurant’s food service permit on October 28 and ordered a thorough cleaning of affected areas, the district said.
Reopening and Aftermath
Following an investigation, the Foothills Health District reinstated the restaurant’s food service permit on October 29 after determining it met all food safety requirements. The establishment reopened on October 30, according to reports. Chili’s issued a statement acknowledging the isolated incident
and emphasizing its commitment to guest and employee safety, saying it was actively investigating the circumstances
to prevent future occurrences.
A North Carolina Chili's restaurant was investigated after three customers suffered chemical burns while drinking margaritas. DETAILS: https://t.co/mxOiQfuLcP pic.twitter.com/0purK5JqG5
The Foothills Health District did not provide updates on the current conditions of those affected, and it remains unclear whether legal action or further regulatory measures will follow. The incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of safety practices at the Chili’s location, with officials urging businesses to prioritize chemical storage and labeling to prevent similar incidents.
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North Carolina Chili's customers suffer chemical burns after drinking margaritas in nightmare mix-up https://t.co/bObhjNtOvT pic.twitter.com/XmmCb5dfcU
3 customers suffer chemical burns after drinking margaritas at Chili's in North Carolina https://t.co/Ew9EFTj5N3 pic.twitter.com/fyLNWh8Y2A
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