Adulterated Drink with Methanol: 117 Bottles Seized in Bars in São Paulo

A state government action in São Paulo, investigating suspected cases of intoxication from consuming adulterated drinks with methanol, seized 117 bottles of unlabeled and unprovenance drinks on Monday (29).
As of Monday (29), three deaths related to the intoxications are being investigated by the State Health Department. The deaths are of a 58-year-old man in São Bernardo do Campo, a 54-year-old man in the capital, and a third 45-year-old, whose place of residence is still under analysis.
The operation involved the state Secretariats of Health and Public Security, in partnership with the Center for Sanitary Surveillance (CVS) and the Vigilance in Health of the City of São Paulo (Covisa).
The seized bottles were found during inspections at three bars and wine shops suspected of selling adulterated drinks in the Jardins and Mooca regions of the capital city.
The labels seized will be sent for analysis at the Institute of Criminalistics of the Scientific and Technical Police. In addition, two establishments were fined for sanitary irregularities.
According to the state government, in September, over 43,000 inspection actions were carried out in the 645 municipalities of São Paulo, focusing on beverage, food, bar, restaurant, and wine shop businesses.
In a statement to CNN, the Public Security Department reported that incidents are being investigated by the 16th, 48th, and 78th Police Districts of the capital, as well as the Mooca region.
What is methanol?
Methanol is a liquid, flammable, and colorless substance. It is widely used as a solvent in the production of fuels, plastics, paints, and medications.
It has a high potential for intoxication, and when consumed, even in small doses, can lead to death.
Recommendations
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security issued an urgent recommendation to establishments selling alcoholic beverages in the state of São Paulo and nearby regions.
The measure was taken due to the registration of at least nine cases of methanol intoxication in the last 26 days, with two confirmed deaths. All cases are related to the consumption of adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The technical note highlights the need for joint action between the government, private sector, and society to combat counterfeit practices. Safe purchases, with product verification and traceability, should be a priority.
The document advises caution regarding items with misaligned seals, clear printing errors, and unusually low prices.
It also warns that symptoms such as blurred vision, headache, and nausea should be treated as signs of adulteration.
If consumers experience these symptoms, the recommendation is to seek urgent medical attention and contact the Poison Control Center. Establishments should also notify the Local Health Surveillance, as well as the Civil Police, Consumer Protection Agency, and, if necessary, the Ministry of Agriculture.
In such cases, establishments should halt the sale of the batch, isolate the products, and preserve them for possible forensic analysis.
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security’s document is aimed at bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, event organizers, markets, wholesalers, distributors, e-commerce platforms, and delivery apps.*