Chemical Mix-Up In North Carolina Chili's Margaritas Burns Five People
Five people suffered chemical burns after margaritas were mistakenly mixed with an industrial degreaser at a Chili's in Forest City, North Carolina on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.[1]
Foothills Health District suspended the restaurant's food service permit during the investigation and reinstated it on Thursday, October 29, 2026, after finding other food safety standards were met.[1] Chili's called the case an isolated incident and said it is actively investigating while supporting affected guests and employees.[1]
On Monday, October 26, 2026, an industrial degreaser was placed into an unmarked container and brought into the bar area at the restaurant.[1] On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, an employee mistakenly used the unlabeled chemical to prepare the margarita station, believing it was sugar or salt.[1] Three customers who drank the margaritas and two employees who later tasted the substance suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Monday, October 26, 2026, an industrial degreaser was placed into an unmarked container and brought into the bar area at a Chili's in Forest City, North Carolina.
- On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, an employee mistakenly used the unlabeled chemical to prepare the margarita station, believing it was sugar or salt.
- Three customers who drank the margaritas and two employees who later tasted the substance suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths.
- Foothills Health District immediately suspended the restaurant's food service permit during the investigation and reinstated it on Thursday, October 29, 2026, after finding other food safety standards were met.
- Chili's issued a statement calling the case an isolated incident and saying it is actively investigating while supporting affected guests and employees.
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