Overview

• The Health Ministry reports 29 confirmed intoxications linked to adulterated alcoholic beverages, with 217 suspected cases under investigation and five deaths confirmed, all in São Paulo.
• São Paulo remains the epicenter with 25 confirmed cases and 160 investigations, while Paraná has three and Rio Grande do Sul one, according to the latest official tallies.
• Civil Police closed a clandestine operation in São Bernardo do Campo, detained suspects, and tied the site to at least two fatal cases after tracing bottles from a bar in Mooca.
• Forensic analyses indicate methanol was deliberately added, with many seized bottles showing 10%–45% methanol and some containing only methanol; authorities have accelerated testing protocols to speed batch assessments.
• The federal response includes distributing the antidote fomepizol and pharmaceutical ethanol to states, alongside public guidance to avoid distilled beverages or verify provenance during the investigation.