The Brazilian Ministry of Health is advising people to stay away from cocktails following reports of contaminated liquor that have led to at least one death, some people losing their sight, and a general sense of panic throughout the country.
In vibrant bars of Sao Paulo and beside the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, there’s a growing concern after incidents of methanol poisoning from contaminated drinks have emerged, resulting in fatalities and severe health issues.
As it stands, one death due to methanol poisoning has been confirmed, while the Ministry reports 11 confirmed cases and 127 suspected cases across at least five states, including the capital, Brasilia. Authorities are looking into the situation, with a total of 116 investigations ongoing.
Local media have reported that victims come from upscale bars and restaurants. After enjoying popular drinks like the Brazilian Caipirinha and some cocktails, they have been left with severe health complications.
“I’m not going out to drink this weekend—it’s just too concerning,” said Rafael Martinez, a 30-year-old architect. “I think I’ll stick to soda or maybe beer.”
The Health Minister has appealed for everyone to avoid clear spirits and announced emergency measures, including the procurement of 2,500 doses of Formepizole, an antidote for methanol poisoning, and 12,000 ampoules of medical-grade ethanol. Efforts to curb further incidents began this past Saturday across five states.
According to the Ministry, while most confirmed cases are concentrated in Sao Paulo, reported cases are also arising in Pernambuco and Mato Grosso do Sul. Padilha mentioned that the new supply would act as a safeguard to ensure patients receive necessary treatments even before lab confirmation.
Meanwhile, federal police are looking into possible organized crime connections tied to the distribution of counterfeit liquors.
Methanol is a toxic industrial chemical known to cause significant damage to nerves and the liver; it often appears in poorly distilled alcohol or counterfeit products.
In response to the fear surrounding these threats, many restaurant owners have stopped selling alcohol to reassure anxious patrons. “No one ordered drinks last night… I’m not interested either,” commented Nikolaos Lukopoulos, who runs a Greek restaurant in Sao Paulo. “Beer is safe enough, and it’s hot outside. Better not to do anything risky.”
In tourist-heavy Rio de Janeiro, no confirmed cases have been noted, but local restaurants and kiosks are posting warnings to calm visitors.
Thai Flores, a 28-year-old dentist visiting from Sao Paulo, admitted he hesitantly ordered beer at a beach kiosk, expressing, “I really don’t like beer, but it felt like the safest option right now.”
His friend, Raquel Marquez, 29, shared similar fears, explaining the risks she felt even ordering vodka in her caipirinha. “I know it’s risky, but we decided to take a chance on that—it’s supposedly from the market,” she mentioned.
This growing fear comes just as Brazil is gearing up for the peak tourism season, leading to worries about potential economic impacts on the nightlife and beach industries.
