São Paulo registers five deaths under investigation for methanol poisoning and 22 suspects

São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos) revealed on Tuesday (30) that the state is investigating five deaths suspected to be caused by methanol-contaminated drinks. A crisis task force has been set up to address the issue, and all establishments where the tainted beverages were consumed have been provisionally closed by authorities. Of the five fatalities, four are still under investigation, with one already confirmed to be methanol-related. One victim from São Bernardo do Campo consumed the alcoholic beverage in São Paulo’s capital. The Health Department has identified 22 cases so far, with 17 under investigation and five already confirmed. Last Monday, São Paulo’s government confirmed the third death from methanol-tainted drinks. The authorities have seized 50,000 bottles of suspected adulterated drinks and 15 million fake labels in recent days.