Methanol Poisonings in Bahia Prompt Liquor Ban and National Health Alert

Overview

• Seven confirmed cases are linked to adulterated distilled drinks, and all patients remain hospitalized with several reported in serious condition, including at least one intubated.
• Ribeira do Pombal enacted a temporary prohibition on the sale, supply, distribution and consumption of distilled alcoholic beverages through January 5, with municipal surveillance and the civil guard enforcing the decree.
• Official testing confirmed methanol in seized beverages and in patients' samples, and authorities have sealed the implicated depot as additional establishments underwent product seizures.
• Anvisa issued a public alert urging consumers to avoid informal or unlabeled alcohol, check fiscal seals and labels, verify appearance, and buy only from regularized sellers.
• The Health Ministry dispatched 100 units of antidote to Bahia, reported as fomepizole by some outlets and pharmaceutical ethanol by another, with state stocks including both therapies.