Degreaser-rimmed margaritas burn 5 at Chili's
The gist
Three customers and two employees at a North Carolina Chili's got chemical burns from degreaser-rimmed margaritas.
The health district suspended the restaurant's food permit; it reopened a day later.
How it unfolded
- Oct 26, 2026A restaurant worker received degreasing chemical from a contracted worker power-washing the building's exterior; it was placed in an unlabeled container and left in the bar area.
- Oct 28, 2026Shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch, three customers ordered margaritas and immediately suffered burning and chemical burns in and around their mouths; two employees who sampled the drinks reacted the same way.
- Oct 28, 2026The three customers and two employees went to a local urgent care center, where they were treated and released.