Five injured after cleaning chemical replaces sugar in Chili's margaritas

Five people sustained chemical burns to their mouths after consuming margaritas at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, where a cleaning agent was mistakenly used as a sugar rimming agent. The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 28, when customers ordered drinks shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch service. According to the Foothills Health District, the patrons immediately reported discomfort and pain in and around their mouths.

Two employees also suffered injuries after tasting the substance during the shift. The restaurant closed on Thursday following the complaints. Health inspectors determined that a worker preparing the bar found an unlabeled container and believed the contents were sugar. The worker then used the substance to prepare the margarita station, which typically features a citrus-sugar rim rather than salt.

The source of the error traces back to the morning of October 26. A contracted worker power washing the exterior left a granulated degreasing chemical with a restaurant employee. That employee placed the chemical into an unlabeled container. The container was subsequently moved inside and left in the bar area for two days until it was retrieved for drink preparation.

The location reopened the day after the shutdown. Megan Rollins, a spokesperson for the Foothills Health District, confirmed via email that the investigation was closed and no fines were issued. She noted that all injured parties received medical treatment but declined to share details about their specific conditions.

A Chili's spokesperson described the event in an email as an incident isolated to the single Forest City location. The chain stated that its team took immediate action to support the affected individuals and prevent further injuries. The spokesperson said the company thoroughly investigated the circumstances and addressed the issues specific to that branch.

There is a discrepancy in the number of injured individuals reported. The Foothills Health District stated that three customers and two workers were affected, totaling five people. The Chili's spokesperson, however, cited injuries to two guests and two team members. The chain did not respond to a follow-up inquiry asking for an explanation of the difference in counts. The restaurant is located approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte.