A usual Friday night at a bar near São Paulo’s Paulista Avenue took an unexpected turn when patrons refrained from ordering cocktails, opting instead for beer, wine, or draft beer.
The bar, which normally sells around 80 caipirinhas - Brazil’s iconic cocktail made from cachaça, lime, sugar, and ice - saw its sales of mixed drinks fall to zero, as reported by the Independent.
Edilson Trindade, the bar’s manager since 2018, explained that the clientele’s concern was directly linked to growing fears about methanol poisoning.
"Clients have been worried, and we’re advising them it’s better not to drink cocktails," Trindade stated. His concerns reflect a widespread unease in Brazil, particularly in São Paulo, where a surge in methanol poisoning cases has led to police investigations and public panic.
Methanol Poisoning Outbreak Sparks National Alarm
The Health Ministry confirmed that at least 11 people have been affected by methanol-tainted alcoholic beverages, with 116 additional suspected cases under investigation.
Tragically, one death has been confirmed in São Paulo, while several others remain in critical condition, with some suffering from severe symptoms, including blindness. The city has become the epicenter of this troubling health crisis.
Methanol, commonly used in fuel, antifreeze, and solvents, has proven to be particularly dangerous when consumed, causing headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and in some cases, coma or death.
Health experts have issued warnings urging people to avoid distilled spirits, which are more difficult to verify for potential adulteration.
Health Minister Alexandre Padilha addressed the nation, advising: “As a physician and health minister, I advise everyone to avoid distilled products, especially colorless ones, unless you’re certain of their origin. These are not essential items.”
He went on to explain that Brazil had already experienced 20 methanol poisoning cases in August and September - matching the annual average.
Fears Mount as Celebrities and Locals Are Hospitalized
Among the hospitalized victims is rapper Hungria, who posted on Instagram after being admitted to a Brasília hospital, indicating that he was recovering.
“Friday has a different energy. If you feel thirsty, find a safe place to have a drink,” the artist shared, warning his followers of the dangers posed by potentially altered alcohol.
The growing number of high-profile cases has only fueled public anxiety, with some Brazilians opting to forgo distilled spirits altogether. Local bars and restaurants have responded to the crisis by adjusting their menus, with some establishments temporarily halting the sale of distilled alcohol.
Patrons have increasingly switched to safer options, such as fermented drinks, while others have started offering cocktail mixes that exclude distilled beverages.
Jessica Ávila, a 34-year-old cultural producer, expressed her concern during a visit to Trindade’s bar near Avenida Paulista.
"With all these cases that keep coming up and more deaths being reported each day, it’s alarming. I’ve even seen well-known people being hospitalized,” she said, per WRAL. “Right now, I can’t bring myself to drink any distilled spirits unless I have some assurance they’re not counterfeit. I’m sticking to beer.”
As the health crisis deepens, authorities have ramped up inspections of bars and distributors suspected of selling contaminated products.
Artur Dian, Chief of São Paulo police, confirmed that methanol has been found in counterfeit alcoholic beverages and emphasized the need to understand how the contamination occurred. “We need to understand how methanol contaminated counterfeit alcoholic beverages. So we need to understand how,” Dian stated.
What You Need to Know: The Dangers of Methanol
Ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol are the three primary types of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and products. While ethanol is safe for consumption, methanol - commonly referred to as wood alcohol - is toxic.
It is used in industrial products like fuel and antifreeze, and even small amounts can be deadly if ingested.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methanol poisoning symptoms include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and seizures, and immediate medical attention is critical if poisoning is suspected.