Mislabeled Degreaser Burns 5 at North Carolina Chili's, Triggering Permit Suspension
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 30
Mislabeled Degreaser Burns 5 at North Carolina Chili's, Triggering Permit Suspension
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 30
Summary
Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns at a Chili's in Forest City, North Carolina, after margaritas were prepared with an industrial cleaning chemical.
Foothills Health District said the mix-up began when a contracted worker's degreaser was poured into an unmarked container Monday and later mistaken for sugar or salt at the bar on Wednesday.
The three customers reported immediate burns in and around their mouths after drinking the margaritas; two employees developed similar symptoms after tasting the substance.
Health officials immediately suspended the restaurant's food service permit, then reinstated it Thursday after specialists found it met other food-safety standards.
Chili's said it was investigating and supporting those affected, while the health district used the case to warn restaurants to label and store chemicals away from food areas.