By: Akanksha
Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, NC, on Wednesday, October 28, when an industrial degreaser was mistakenly used to garnish margaritas.
The incident happened after a staff member put a granular industrial degreaser—provided by an outside power-washing company— into an unlabeled container while working in the restaurant’s bar area. Another employee then mistook the substance for salt or sugar and used it during lunch service.
After the Foothills Health District revoked its permit and the restaurant was fully sanitized, the location was allowed to reopen on Thursday, October 29.
According to preliminary findings from the Foothills Health District, the chain of events began on Monday, October 26. A restaurant staff member received some granular degreaser from a contracted worker who had been power washing the outside of the building. The employee poured the substance into an unlabeled container and placed it inside the restaurant.
On Wednesday, October 28, another staff member discovered the unlabeled container while preparing the bar for the lunch rush. Assuming the granular substance was either salt or sugar, the employee used it to rim glasses for margaritas.
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Shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch on Wednesday, three customers ordered margaritas. They quickly experienced discomfort and suffered chemical burns to their mouths.
The customers informed the staff members and left to seek medical attention. Shortly afterwards, two staff members also tasted the substance from the container and developed the same symptoms.
Megan Rollins, spokesperson for the Foothills Health District, told Local12 that those injured went straight to a nearby urgent care clinic.
“I’m not sure how bad their chemical burns were, but they went straight to urgent care and got treatment,” Rollins told Local 12.
After being informed about the incident, the Foothills Health District launched an investigation and revoked the food service permit for the Forest City Chili’s. Staff members were instructed to clean and sanitize any areas that may have come into contact with the chemical.
Chili’s Grill & Bar also acknowledged the incident in a statement, describing it as an isolated incident at its Forest City restaurant. The company said it had taken immediate action to support those affected and prevent further injuries. It added that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Environmental Health Officers from the Foothills Health District completed their on-site inspection on Thursday morning, October 29. The restaurant’s food service permit was reinstated the same day after inspectors confirmed that the bar and kitchen had been thoroughly sanitized.
Health officials used this incident to remind North Carolina restaurants and the public of the importance of properly labeling chemicals.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of properly labeling, storing, and handling chemicals in food service establishments as required by the North Carolina Food Code to avoid chemical contamination and protect public health. Our goal is to protect the health and safety of the public. We are working to ensure all corrective actions are completed prior to allowing the restaurant to reopen,” said Jason Masters, Health Director of the Foothills Health District, in a statement.
Notably, a statement from the restaurant chain mentioned that two guests were injured whereas the Foothills Health District reported that three customers suffered chemical burns.
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Levonne Baker, a regular customer at the Forest City Chili's, told News18 that the incident sounded like something from a horror movie.
“I was beyond surprised and almost scared,” Baker said. “It’s like a Wes Craven story that’s coming to life. I mean, you don’t get margaritas that can burn your skin.”
Because both an auto mechanic shop and an urgent care clinic sit right next door to the Chili’s building, Baker said he is now second-guessing whether he wants to sit at that bar again.
“It has made me a little nervous about going back to the bar because it’s like what’s in there next? I mean, am I going to be the next person who’s going next door? And not for an oil change,” Baker said.
Health officials are asking anyone with more information or who believe they may have been exposed to the degreaser, to visit a doctor as soon as possible and call Poison Control on 1-800-222-1222.
Megan Rollins, spokesperson for the Foothills Health District, also explained that proper chemical labeling helps identify a substance in the event of accidental ingestion. This allows Poison Control specialists to provide appropriate guidance.
(Rh/APC/MSM)