Federal Government releases alert after “unpublished records” of cases of poisoning by alcohol consumption
The (Health Surveillance Center) of the State of São Paulo reported on Saturday (27.Set.2025) that two deaths from methanol poisoning in the state since June – one in São Bernardo do Campo and another in São Paulo.
In the same period, 6 cases of substance intoxication were confirmed in the state. CVS reported that there are currently 10 cases under investigation with suspected poisoning for contaminated alcohol consumption in São Paulo.
“The recommendation is for bars, companies and other establishments to pay attention to the origin of the products offered, and that the population only gets drinks from legalized manufacturers, label, safety seal and tax seal, avoiding dubious origin and preventing cases of intoxication that can put life at risk.”said the CVS, in a statement.
What is methanol
Methanol is a liquid, flammable and colorless substance.
It is widely used as a solvent in the manufacture of fuels, plastics, paints and medicines. It has great poisoning potential, and when consumed it can lead to death even in small doses.
The substance cannot be intended directly for human consumption.
In an interview with, one of the victims of intoxication said he was blinded after consuming improper liquid. She said she completely lost her vision 1 day after drinking alcohol in a bar in the south of São Paulo.
Her family members took her to a private hospital in the city, and she had to undergo an induced coma. It is still hospitalized and has no forecast of vision recovery.
No state alert
Senad (National Secretariat of Drug Policy and Asset Management) of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, released on Friday (26.Set) after the State of São Paulo recorded cases of methanol poisoning, in the last 25 days, for the consumption of adulterated alcohol.
The cases were considered outside the standard because they occurred in a short period of time and also for the relationship with alcohol intake.
There were 9 notifications sent to the Federal Government’s alert system by Ciatox (Center for Information and Toxicological Assistance) of Campinas (SP), Reference Unit in Toxicology in the State and which serves several municipalities of São Paulo.
“Ciatox has received, in the last 2 years, cases of methanol poisoning from fuel consumption due to deliberate intake in substance abuse contexts, often associated with homeless people. However, according to notification, ingestion took place in social alcohol consumption scenes, including different types of drink, such as gin, whisky, vodka, among others. unpublished records in the referred toxicological center ”,.
The Secretariat draws attention to “epidemic outbreaks”.
“The scenario of tampering is particularly relevant from a public health point of view, as such episodes often result in epidemic outbreaks with multiple cases and high letters of lethality, affecting vulnerable population groups and requiring rapid response from health authorities,”, told Senad.
Text written with information from
