Three customers and two workers suffered chemical burns on their mouths after sipping margaritas mistakenly prepared with a granulated degreasing cleaner instead of sugar at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, triggering an immediate health permit suspension and a rapid cleanup.
Local regular Levonne Baker described his reaction to the toxic mix-up to WLOS, comparing the scenario to fiction. I was beyond surprised and almost scared,
Baker said, adding that the situation felt like a Wes Craven story that’s coming to life.
Foothills Health District public information officer Megan Rollins told WLOS that the injured patrons went to urgent care for treatment of their injuries.
The incident unfolded on Oct. 28, 2026, when customers ordered drinks shortly after the restaurant opened for the day. Patrons who consumed the cocktails immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths
before notifying staff and leaving to seek medical attention. Two restaurant employees subsequently tasted the substance from the container and reported similar symptoms. Foothills Health District spokesperson Megan Rollins stated, I’m not sure what degree of chemical burns they had, but they went to urgent care and they were treated there.
Contractor Brings Degreaser Into Bar
Investigators determined that the chemical contamination originated two days earlier, on Oct. 26, 2026. A contracted worker power-washing the exterior of the building handed a granulated degreasing chemical to a restaurant employee, who placed it into an unlabeled container and brought it inside to the bar area.
Foothills Health District spokesperson Megan Rollins told officials that the injured patrons went to urgent care for treatment of their injuries.
Health Officials Lift Permit Suspension
Following reports of the injuries, environmental health specialists from the Foothills Health District immediately suspended the establishment’s food service permit. Inspectors directed restaurant staff to wash, rinse, and sanitise all surfaces, equipment and preparation areas that may have come into contact with the chemical.
Health authorities lifted the closure the next day, on Oct. 29, 2026, after determining that the establishment meets all applicable food safety requirements and can safely resume operations.
The health district closed its investigation without issuing fines.
Restaurant Investigates Toxic Mix-Up
A spokesperson for Chili’s addressed the contamination, categorizing it as an isolated incident.
The company added: We are actively investigating the circumstances related to this incident as the health and wellbeing of our guests and Team Members remain our top priority.
The Chili’s spokesperson also told the media that their team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid further injuries.
Health Director Jason Masters emphasized the regulatory takeaways from the chemical exposure. This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling in food service establishments, as required by the North Carolina Food Code, to prevent chemical contamination and protect public health,
Masters said.