WATCH: 5 people at Chili's in North Carolina suffer burns after margarita mix-up

Five people, including three customers and two employees, suffered chemical burns in their mouths after consuming margaritas made with industrial degreaser at a Chili's Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina on Wednesday. The incident began when an employee received the cleaning chemical from a contractor two days earlier and placed it in an unlabeled container left near the bar area. Another employee mistook the substance for sugar while preparing drinks before lunch service. Health officials immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit and launched an investigation, emphasizing the importance of proper chemical labeling and storage to prevent such incidents. The Foothills Health District director stated that this underscores the need for adherence to the North Carolina Food Code to protect public health.