Brazil’s Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert over Brazil tainted liquor after at least one person died and dozens were sickened by methanol poisoning, with most cases centered in São Paulo.
Health Officials Issue Urgent Warning
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha advised Brazilians to “steer clear of colorless spirits” after victims consumed contaminated drinks like caipirinhas and vodka tonics. The Alexandre Padilha colorless spirits warning follows reports of people being blinded or falling into comas.
The government is taking emergency measures to ensure “no patient goes without treatment.” This response includes the purchase of 2,500 doses of fomepizole and 12,000 ampoules of medical-grade ethanol to be distributed to hospitals.
What is Fomepizole Antidote and How It Helps
Fomepizole is a crucial antidote for methanol poisoning that can be administered even before lab results confirm the diagnosis. Shipments of the antidotes to five states began on Saturday.
Methanol is an industrial chemical sometimes found in fake or poorly distilled alcohol. Ingestion can cause severe nerve and liver damage.
Widespread Methanol Poisoning Cases in São Paulo
Officials have confirmed one death from the tainted alcohol and are reviewing 127 suspected cases nationwide, with 11 confirmed poisonings. The majority of the methanol poisoning cases in São Paulo have been reported.
Cases have also emerged in at least four other states, including Pernambuco and Mato Grosso do Sul, and the capital, Brasília. Rio de Janeiro has not recorded any confirmed cases.
Brazil Counterfeit Liquor Investigation Underway
Federal police have launched a Brazil counterfeit liquor investigation to determine the source of the contamination. Investigators are exploring a potential link to organized crime groups distributing the counterfeit products.
The victims included patrons at several upscale bars and restaurants, which has intensified the public health scare.
Public Fear Impacts Bars and Restaurants
The scare is causing a panic as Brazil prepares for its peak tourism season, raising fears of an economic impact on the nightlife industry. Nikolaos Loukopoulos, a restaurant owner, said, “Last night no one bought drinks … even I don’t want to drink.“
Many citizens are now avoiding cocktails. “I’m definitely not going out to drink this weekend,” said architect Rafael Martinez. “For now, I’d rather stick to soda or, at most, beer.“
Thais Flores, a dental surgeon, echoed the sentiment, stating that despite not liking beer, “because of the latest news, it’s been my drink of choice.” Others, like Raquel Marques, admitted they were “scared, but we took a chance.“
