Survey of the Brazilian Association of Distilled Beverages also shows that the total volume of distilled drinks consumed in the country, 28% are illegitimate
A study by the Brazilian Association of Distilled Beverages (ABBD) revealed that the illegal market of drinks distilled in imposed a loss of $ 28 billion to the country’s economy and public health. The amount is higher than public safety spending and is equivalent to about 12% of the Unified Health System (SUS) annual budget.
The study points out that the total volume of distilled drinks consumed in Brazil, 28% are illegal. These drinks originate in smuggling, misleading, unregistered production and especially forgery.
Among the forms of illicit, forgery is considered the most harmful for both the productive and consumers. The most common method of fraud involves the reuse of more expensive brands bottles, known as “Refis”. The original packaging gives the appearance of a legitimate product, but the content is tampered with or falsified.
Health risks
The great danger to public health lies in the composition of falsified drinks. In many cases, criminals use unsuitable alcohol for human consumption, such as the one, which can lead to serious poisoning and even deaths. Recent cases of methanol poisoning have already made victims across the country.
In addition to the direct impact on health, the illegal market causes a great break in public coffers due to tax evasion. The study points out that the lack of adequate inspection directly contributes to the maintenance and growth of this scenario.
For the consumer, the price difference may be an indicative of fraud: a counterfeit whiskey, for example, can be marketed with a difference of up to 48% from the price of the original product.
*With information from Danúbia Braga
*Report produced with the aid of AI
