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Brazil Confirms 11 Methanol Poisonings and One Death as Cocktail Sales Plunge

Health officials urge people to avoid colorless distilled drinks pending investigations into counterfeit alcohol.

Gustavo Candido drinks liquor at a bar in Sao Paulo, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)
People drink beer at a bar in Sao Paulo, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)
People drink beer at a bar in Sao Paulo, Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chiereguini)
A view of the facade of Ministrao Bar in São Paulo which was closed following an operation investigating the sale of alcoholic beverages contaminated with methanol.

Overview

  • The Health Ministry reports 11 confirmed cases and 102 suspected tied to alcoholic beverages, with one lab-confirmed death and 11 others under review.
  • Most cases are in São Paulo, with reports in four other states and Brasília, and hospitals have treated severe injuries including blindness and coma.
  • Bars and restaurants have suspended distilled-spirit sales and customers are switching from caipirinhas and other cocktails to beer and wine.
  • Police are inspecting bars and distributors, and São Paulo’s police chief said methanol-contaminated counterfeit spirits were found, though the source and intent are still unknown.
  • The Health Ministry set up a situation room and is seeking methanol antidotes, while an industry study estimates adulterated alcohol accounts for 28% of Brazil’s market.