Chili’s in Forest City Reopens After Chemical Mix-Up

Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, resumed normal operations on Thursday after a chemical contamination event on Wednesday.

The Foothills Health District confirmed that three customers sustained burns to their mouths and surrounding areas after drinking margaritas made with the wrong ingredient. The exposure occurred when staff served the contaminated beverages to patrons who immediately reported their symptoms.

The error traces back to a maintenance job on Monday. A contractor used a granulated degreasing chemical while power washing the building exterior. A restaurant employee collected the substance into an unlabeled container and moved it inside, placing it in the bar area.

On the morning of Wednesday, a different employee found the container. Mistaking the granules for sugar, the worker added the chemical to the margarita station. The restaurant opened for business as usual, serving the affected drinks to customers.

After three guests left to seek medical attention, two employees sampled the remaining mixture. Both developed similar symptoms shortly after tasting it. Investigators did not specify the name of the chemical or the severity of the injuries for the five affected individuals.

The Foothills Health District suspended the restaurant’s service immediately upon notification. Staff conducted a deep clean of all food preparation areas. Health director Jason Masters stated the event "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." The district released its official report and reinstated the food service permit on Thursday, Oct. 29.