Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 31
Degreaser-Rimmed Margaritas Burn 5 at North Carolina Chili's
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 31

Degreaser-Rimmed Margaritas Burn 5 at North Carolina Chili's

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 31

Summary

  • Five people — three customers and two staff members — suffered chemical burns Wednesday after drinking margaritas at a Chili’s in Forest City, North Carolina.
  • Foothills Health District said a white granulated degreaser had been mistaken for sugar after being left in an unlabeled container near the bar.
  • Megan Rollins, a district spokeswoman, said the injuries were concentrated on and around the victims’ mouths, and environmental health specialists were sent to investigate immediately.
  • Chili’s said it took immediate action to support those affected and prevent further injuries, while it remained unclear Saturday whether Forest City police had opened a separate investigation.

Insights

How did an unlabeled industrial degreaser sit in a Chili’s bar for two days before ending up in customers’ margaritas?
What safety rule failed first in the Chili’s chemical-burn case—and how many checkpoints were missed before anyone got hurt?