FOREST CITY, N.C. (WLOS) — An investigation is underway after a chemical exposure incident at a Chili's Grill & Bar in western North Carolina, officials confirmed.

The incident led to multiple people enduring chemical burns after consuming drinks that were prepared with a cleaning chemical mistakenly identified as sugar, according to a press release from the Foothills Health District. This occurred at the restaurant's Forest City location.

The Foothills Health District said preliminary information indicates that on Monday, Oct. 26, an employee received a "granulated degreasing chemical" from a contracted worker power-washing the outside of the restaurant and put it in an unlabeled container. The container was then brought into the restaurant and left in the bar area, the public health agency said.

On Wednesday, Oct.…