Five People Burned After Cleaning Powder Mistaken for Sugar at North Carolina Chili's
Three customers and two employees suffered chemical burns when a cleaning powder was used instead of sugar in drink preparation at a Chili's in Forest City.
In a startling mishap at a Chili's restaurant in North Carolina, five individuals—three customers and two employees—were left with chemical burns after a cleaning powder was mistakenly used in place of sugar for making drinks 12. The incident, which took place shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch on October 28th, has drawn attention from local and national media 2.
The error occurred when a cleaning powder, received by a restaurant employee on October 26th, was placed in an unlabeled container, leading to confusion during the preparation of beverages 2. This simple oversight resulted in a significant health hazard, causing discomfort and injury to those who consumed the affected drinks 12.
Despite the severity of the situation, the restaurant managed to reopen just one day later, on Friday, following a shutdown on Thursday 2. Local authorities investigated the incident but did not issue any fines to the establishment, indicating that while the mistake was unfortunate, it did not meet the threshold for penalties under their regulations 2.
The location of the accident is a Chili's in Forest City, situated approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte, North Carolina 2. This particular branch of the popular chain restaurant has now become known for its unexpected brush with culinary disaster, highlighting the importance of proper labeling and attention to detail in food service environments 2.
What we know
- - Three customers and two employees were affected by the burns 12
- - The incident occurred at a Chili's location in North Carolina 123456
- - The mistake resulted in chemical burns for those involved 123456
- - A cleaning powder was mistakenly used instead of sugar for making drinks 12
- - The incident occurred shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch on October 28th 2
- - The restaurant was shut down on Thursday and reopened the following day 2
- - The chemical was received by a restaurant employee on October 26th and placed in an unlabeled container 2
- - No fines were issued by the Health District after the investigation was completed 2
- - The restaurant is located in Forest City, approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte 2
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 75%, weighted across 10 claims from 6 independent outlets.
- likely Three customers and two employees were affected by the burns. (71%)
- unverified Five individuals were burned at a Chili's restaurant. (50%)
- confirmed The incident occurred at a Chili's location in North Carolina. (97%)
- confirmed The mistake resulted in chemical burns for those involved. (97%)
- confirmed A cleaning powder was mistakenly used instead of sugar for making drinks. (85%)
- likely The incident occurred shortly after the restaurant opened for lunch on October 28th. (71%)
- likely The restaurant was shut down on Thursday and reopened the following day. (71%)
- likely The chemical was received by a restaurant employee on October 26th and placed in an unlabeled container. (71%)
- likely No fines were issued by the Health District after the investigation was completed. (71%)
- likely The restaurant is located in Forest City, approximately 60 miles west of Charlotte. (71%)
Sources
- ABC News — WATCH: 5 people at Chili's in North Carolina suffer burns after margarita mix-up
https://abcnews.com/video/137784626/ - NBC News U.S. — Chili’s customers suffer burns after sipping margaritas mistakenly made with cleaning agent
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chilis-customers-north-carolina-suffer-burns-margaritas-mistakenly-mad-rcna607037 - Cleveland.com (Ohio) — 5 suffer chemical burns from Chili’s margaritas mixed with cleaning product in N.C.
https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/11/5-suffer-chemical-burns-from-chilis-margaritas-rimmed-with-white-substance.html - WFAA (Texas) — 3 customers suffer chemical burns from margaritas with cleaning products at Chili's in North Carolina
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/nation-world/3-people-suffer-chemical-burns-margaritas-cleaning-products-chilis-north-carolina/507-c15f363f-1c00-4dbb-a782-a149089a1744 - WKYC (Ohio) — 3 customers suffer chemical burns from margaritas with cleaning products at Chili's in North Carolina
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/3-people-suffer-chemical-burns-margaritas-cleaning-products-chilis-north-carolina/507-c15f363f-1c00-4dbb-a782-a149089a1744 - 10TV (Columbus) — 3 customers suffer chemical burns from margaritas with cleaning products at Chili's in North Carolina
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/nation-world/3-people-suffer-chemical-burns-margaritas-cleaning-products-chilis-north-carolina/507-c15f363f-1c00-4dbb-a782-a149089a1744