ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Three restaurant customers and two employees reported symptoms after a cleaning chemical was used to make margaritas in a mix-up in the US.

Customers who ordered the drinks all experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths. And two employees who also tasted the substance had similar symptoms.

The chain of events began when a Chili's employee was power-washing the area in front of the North Carolina restaurant. A contracted worker gave the Chili's employee a granulated degreasing chemical to help with the task.

The power-washing staff member then placed the chemical in an unlabelled container which was brought inside and left in the bar area. And when another employee was later preparing the bar for lunch service, they apparently mistook the chemical for sugar or salt and used it to make margaritas.

The incident occurred in the foothills region of the west of North Carolina. The restaurant's food service permit was suspended by the Foothills Health District while the incident was investigated, and staff members were told to wash and sanitise all affected food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.

"We are aware of an isolated incident at our restaurant in Forest City that resulted in injury to two of our guests and team members," said a spokesperson from Chili's. "Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries."

The investigation has now been completed and the restaurant's permit has been reinstated.