Overview
- Roughly 225 suspected intoxications have been logged nationwide, the majority in São Paulo, with at least three deaths now confirmed there.
- Forensic tests on seized bottles found methanol was deliberately added, reinforcing that adulterated products in illicit distribution channels are driving cases.
- The Health Ministry is distributing pharmaceutical ethanol and procuring 2,500 units of fomepizol with PAHO support, while reference laboratories ramp up rapid diagnostics.
- Police and sanitary teams have closed at least 11 businesses and confiscated more than 10,000 bottles as probes continue and at least one suspect supplier has been detained.
- Officials advise avoiding distilled spirits of uncertain origin as bars and restaurants report steep drops in sales of vodka, gin and whisky, with losses of up to 50–70% in some venues.