Three customers at a Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, suffered chemical burns inside and around their mouths after drinking margaritas contaminated with an industrial degreaser, according to the Foothills Health District. A worker obtained granulated degreasing agent from an outside contractor power-washing the building, poured it into an unlabeled container, and left it in the bar area. The next day, another employee assumed the white granules were sugar and used them to prep the margarita station.
Employees who tasted the mixture reported the same burning symptoms as the customers, and Health Director Jason Masters confirmed the chain of events. County health inspectors suspended the restaurant’s food service permit and ordered a full sanitation. The permit was reinstated Thursday after Environmental Health Specialists verified that all corrective actions had been completed.
For Suncoast diners, the story is a reminder that food safety often hinges on small habits, like keeping chemicals clearly labeled and stored far from prep areas. If a drink or dish tastes off, say something right away rather than finishing it. Have you ever sent something back at a restaurant because it tasted wrong? Tell us about it in the comments.
