Three customers at a Chili's restaurant in North Carolina suffered chemical burns after a cleaning product was mistakenly used to prepare their margaritas.

According to the Foothills Health District, the incident occurred Wednesday (Oct. 28) at the restaurant's Forest City location when an employee accidentally used a granulated degreasing chemical while making drinks, believing it was a margarita ingredient .

Health officials said the mix-up began Monday (Oct. 26), when a contractor power-washing the outside of the restaurant gave an employee a granulated degreaser. The employee transferred the substance into an unlabeled container, which was later brought inside and left near the bar.

Two days later, another employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the container and reportedly mistook its contents for sugar or salt.

Three customers ordered margaritas shortly after the restaurant opened and immediately experienced discomfort after drinking them.…