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A stock image of margaritas next to an image of a Chili's restaurant.
If avoiding chemical burns in your mouth is something that sounds attractive to you, then you may want to steer clear of drinking the margaritas at the popular fast-casual chain Chili’s.
At least, that’s if three customers who recently drank at the restaurant’s location in Forest City, North Carolina are any indication.
The customers each suffered chemical burns in and around their mouths immediately after drinking margaritas, the Foothills Health District said in a press release.
Chili’s Customers Were Accidentally Served Chemicals In Margaritas
According to the press release, the customers ingested cleaning chemicals that were accidentally mixed into the drinks rather than a food ingredient
A pair of employees at the restaurant also reported symptoms after they were exposed to the cleaning substance.
The customers quickly notified staff about the incident before leaving to seek medical attention. Officials launched an investigation shortly thereafter and suspended the restaurant’s food service permit. They ultimately determined that the cleaning chemical was mistaken for sugar.
“This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling in food service establishments,” said Jason Masters, health director of Foothills Health District, in a statement.
Chili’s is calling the dangerous mix-up an “isolated incident.”
“Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries,” the company said in a statement to USA Today. “We are actively investigating the circumstances related to this incident as the health and wellbeing of our guests and Team Members remain our top priority.”
In recent years, Chili’s has grown from the brink of extinction to become one of the country’s most popular fast-casual restaurant chains.
One of the company’s most popular items is its “Presidente” Margaritas. Although you have to wonder if that will change following the latest incident.