Chemical Mistaken for Sugar in Chili’s Margaritas Injures Customers and Employees

Health · First reported 30 Oct, 02:15 · Updated 02:46

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Three customers at a Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina, experienced chemical burns after a worker used an industrial degreaser mistaken for sugar in margaritas, according to the Foothills Health District. Two employees also reported symptoms after tasting the substance. The health district suspended the restaurant’s food-service permit during its investigation, then reinstated it Thursday after finding the restaurant met applicable food-safety requirements.

The health district said three customers experienced burns in and around their mouths after drinking margaritas made with a degreaser mistaken for sugar.
Two employees also reported symptoms after tasting the substance, and the customers sought medical attention.
The health district suspended the restaurant’s food-service permit during its investigation and reinstated it Thursday after finding applicable food-safety requirements were met.

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Key facts

Location: Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina.
Customers affected: The health district reported three customers experienced chemical burns.
Employees affected: Two employees reported similar symptoms after tasting the substance.
Chemical: An industrial or granulated degreaser was mistaken for sugar and used in preparing margaritas.
Permit: Suspended during the investigation and reinstated Thursday after food-safety specialists cleared the restaurant.