Officials are cautioning individuals to refrain from drinking cocktails after tainted alcohol led to at least one death, caused blindness in others, and generated widespread alarm throughout the country.
Brazilians, from sophisticated bars in São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro’s beaches, are feeling anxious after a series of suspected poisonings from adulterated spirits resulted in drinkers dying, losing their sight, or falling into comas.
One death due to methanol poisoning has been confirmed by authorities. The Ministry of Health indicates that 127 suspected instances have been recorded nationally, comprising 11 confirmed cases and 116 still being investigated across a minimum of five states and Brasília, the capital.
According to local media reports, victims included customers at high-end venues. Some experienced vision loss or entered comas after consuming popular Brazilian caipirinhas, vodka tonics, and similar clear mixed drinks.
“I absolutely won’t be going out for drinks this weekend. The situation is concerning,” stated a 30-year-old architect in São Paulo. “For the time being, I’d prefer to drink at home or, at most, have a beer, as it’s reportedly more difficult to adulterate.”
The government urged Brazilians to “avoid colorless spirits” and unveiled fresh emergency protocols, such as acquiring 2,500 doses of fomepizole, an antidote for methanol poisoning, and 12,000 ampoules of pharmaceutical-grade ethanol. Deliveries commenced on Saturday to five states as authorities work urgently to avert further fatalities.
The ministry indicated that while the majority of cases are concentrated in São Paulo, instances have also emerged in regions as distant as Pernambuco and Mato Grosso do Sul. Padilha affirmed that the new supply would guarantee “no patient is left untreated” and that both antidotes could be given prior to laboratory confirmation.
Federal law enforcement agencies are probing a possible connection to organized criminal factions suspected of disseminating illicit alcohol.
Methanol, an industrial chemical, has the potential to cause harm to nerves and the liver and is occasionally discovered in counterfeit or inadequately distilled alcoholic beverages.
Restaurant proprietors are halting the sale of alcoholic beverages in an effort to calm anxious clientele.
“No one ordered drinks last night… I don’t even want to drink myself,” commented Nikolaos Loukopoulos, owner of a Greek restaurant in São Paulo. “A beer is perfectly fine in this heat. Why take the chance?”
Rio de Janeiro, a popular tourist destination, has not yet registered any confirmed incidents, but beachside kiosks and eateries have implemented measures to reassure guests.
Thais Flores, a 28-year-old dental surgeon visiting Rio from São Paulo, mentioned she hesitantly ordered a Corona from a beach kiosk.
“I’m not particularly fond of beer, but given the recent news, it has become my preferred beverage.”
Her friend, Raquel Marques, 29, stated she nonetheless took the risk of consuming a vodka caipirinha.
“I’m frightened, but we decided to take a chance,” she remarked. “The vendor claimed he purchased it from the market.”
This alarming situation arises as Brazil approaches its busiest tourism period, sparking concerns about a potential economic impact on its coastal areas and entertainment sector.