Public Safety · Forest City, NC
3 Customers Suffer Chemical Burns from Margaritas at Forest City Chili's
Three customers suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths after drinking margaritas prepared with a granulated degreasing chemical mistakenly believed to be sugar at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina. The incident occurred Wednesday, Oct. 28, after an employee found the unlabeled chemical—received Monday, Oct. 26, from a contracted power-washing worker—and used it during bar preparation. Two restaurant employees who tasted the substance also experienced similar symptoms. The Foothills Health District investigated, suspended the food service permit, and reinstated it by Thursday morning after the location met all applicable food safety requirements.