Overview
- The Health Ministry reports 11 confirmed cases and 102 suspected tied to alcoholic beverages, with one lab-confirmed death and 11 others under review.
- Most cases are in São Paulo, with reports in four other states and Brasília, and hospitals have treated severe injuries including blindness and coma.
- Bars and restaurants have suspended distilled-spirit sales and customers are switching from caipirinhas and other cocktails to beer and wine.
- Police are inspecting bars and distributors, and São Paulo’s police chief said methanol-contaminated counterfeit spirits were found, though the source and intent are still unknown.
- The Health Ministry set up a situation room and is seeking methanol antidotes, while an industry study estimates adulterated alcohol accounts for 28% of Brazil’s market.