Overview

• Health surveillance reports 59 methanol intoxication notifications nationwide, including 53 in São Paulo with 11 confirmed, five under investigation in Pernambuco, one in the Federal District and at least one confirmed death.
• Justice Ministry investigations indicate contamination in gin, whisky and vodka sold in bars and liquor stores.
• Health Minister Alexandre Padilha advises people to avoid distilled spirits of unknown origin, especially colorless liquids whose provenance cannot be confirmed.
• USP experts say the principal hazard is deliberate addition of industrial methanol, while beer and wine generally present minimal intrinsic methanol risk, though any drink can be tainted if methanol is added.
• The beverage industry urges checks for intact seals and Portuguese counter-labels with MAPA registration, purchases from trusted sellers and caution with unusually low prices, and officials list warning symptoms such as sudden blurred vision.