A Chili’s restaurant has come under scrutiny after three customers were left with chemical burns upon ordering cocktails. The patrons had consumed drinks containing a cleaning chemical that was mistakenly identified as sugar by the bartender. The incident took place on Monday (Oct 26) at the Forest City outlet in western North Carolina.
“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,” said Jason Masters, Health Director of FHD.
As per the preliminary investigation by the Foothills Health District (FHD), an employee received a “granulated degreasing chemical” from a contracted worker power-washing the outside of the restaurant and put it in an unlabeled container. Subsequently, the container was brought into the restaurant and left in the bar area, according to a report in New York Post. The permit was reinstated by Thursday morning after environmental health specialists completed their investigation and determined the restaurant met “all applicable food safety requirements.”
