Chili's in Forest City suspends operations after degreaser mistaken for sugar causes chemical burns

Key points

• On October 26, an employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contractor power-washing the building and stored it in an unlabeled container in the bar area.
• On October 28, a different employee found the container, assumed it contained sugar, and used it to prepare margaritas for lunch service.
• Three customers consumed the contaminated drinks and immediately experienced chemical burns in and around their mouths, prompting them to seek medical attention at an urgent care facility.
• Two restaurant employees also tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms, confirming the contamination.
• The Foothills Health District suspended the food service permit immediately but reinstated it on October 29 after environmental health specialists verified that the restaurant met all applicable food safety requirements.

Background

This incident follows a broader trend of food safety scrutiny in the restaurant industry, though no specific prior incidents at this location were noted in the provided archive. The archive contains unrelated sports coverage from late October 2026, indicating no direct historical connection to this specific food safety event.

How outlets are covering it

WLOS and WRAL reported the incident based on Foothills Health District findings, stating that three customers suffered chemical burns. Fox News noted a discrepancy, reporting that Chili's issued a statement claiming only two guests were injured, while the health district maintained that three customers were affected. All sources agreed on the core facts: the use of an unlabeled container, the mistaken identity of the chemical as sugar, and the immediate suspension and subsequent reinstatement of the restaurant's permit. Health officials emphasized the critical importance of proper chemical labeling and storage to prevent such accidents.

Why it matters

The incident highlights significant risks in food service environments where industrial chemicals are present near food preparation areas. It underscores the necessity of strict labeling protocols and employee training to prevent accidental ingestion of hazardous substances. The rapid response by health officials and the restaurant chain demonstrates the importance of immediate corrective actions to protect public health and restore consumer confidence.

What to watch

The restaurant has resumed operations following the reinstatement of its food service permit. The Foothills Health District has used the incident to remind all food service establishments in North Carolina of the requirements for proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling under the North Carolina Food Code. No further legal or regulatory actions were reported as of the latest update.