At least 125 doctors, nurses and public health experts are running in today’s midterm elections. According to CNN, this is a record number for professions that have usually had fewer opportunities to enter politics compared to business or law.

These campaigns began after COVID-19, when doctors and health officials were first praised, then faced years of hard work and loss, and sometimes became targets of distrust or political disagreement.

Some candidates say they realized during that period that their health and science backgrounds were more connected to government and politics than they had expected.

After the elections, ISSA Advocacy will tackle “What the 2026 Elections Mean for the Cleaning and Facility Solutions Industry” at the ISSA Show North America 2026 on Nov. 16 at 1:45 p.m. PT and online on Dec. 2.

The 2026 midterm elections will influence the cleaning industry’s laws and regulations for years. Issues like labor policy, chemical rules, workforce training, taxes, tariffs and more will be affected, so the results will directly impact your business plans.

John Nothdurft, ISSA’s Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, explains what might change after the federal and state elections, which issues could become priorities, and how ISSA plans to support the industry.

If you have a policy question or a business challenge for ISSA Advocacy, visit the ISSA Advocacy Kiosk at the ISSA Experience Hub (Booth No. 2417) during the show. Meet the team, learn what they are working on, and talk about the issues that are affecting your cleaning business. To learn more and register for ISSA Show North America 2026, click here.

Foothills Health District (FHD) responded to three customers with chemical burns at Chili’s Grill & Bar in Forest City, North Carolina, on Oct. 28. Health officials found that three restaurantgoers drank margaritas mistakenly prepared with a cleaning chemical instead of sugar. Two restaurant employees also reported symptoms after exposure to the substance.

After being notified, FHD immediately launched an investigation, suspended the restaurant’s food service permit and required corrective actions to address potential contamination. According to preliminary findings, during the early morning hours of Oct. 26, a restaurant employee received a granulated degreasing chemical from a contracted worker who was power washing the exterior and placed it in an unlabeled container. The container was brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area.

On the morning of Oct. 28, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service found the unlabeled container and, believing it contained sugar, used the chemical to prepare the Margarita station. Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers ordered Margaritas and immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths. After consuming the beverages, the customers notified restaurant staff and left to seek medical attention. Two restaurant employees subsequently tested the substance and reported similar symptoms.

After being notified of the incident, the local health department opened an investigation, immediately suspended the restaurant’s food service permit, and directed staff to wash, rinse and sanitize affected food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.

As of the morning of Oct. 29, FDH finalized the investigation and reinstated the restaurant’s food service permit after determining that the establishment meets all applicable food safety requirements and can safely resume operations.

“This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage and handling in food service establishments as required by the North Carolina food code to prevent chemical contamination and protect public health,” said Jason Masters, FHD health director. “Our priority is protecting the health and safety of the public. We are working to ensure that all necessary corrective actions are completed before the restaurant is permitted to open.

The health department also cautioned all food service establishments that chemicals must be properly labeled, stored separately from food and food preparation materials and handled in accordance with applicable food safety regulations. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to the chemical should seek medical attention. Individuals experiencing symptoms following a chemical exposure may also contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.