According to the last disclosure made on Sunday (5), the Ministry of Health confirmed 225 records of methanol poisoning after ingestion of distillates in Brazil
In addition to the bars, the government will oversee the suspicious prints of printing tampered beverage labels. According to the governor (Republicans), the goal is to identify the network that acts on product handling. “Let’s go on the graph that was hired to print the label. No one gets order without thinking that it will be used for forgery. Let’s go up to those who receive these suspicious requests,” he told a press conference on Monday (6).
Also according to state management, in recent weeks 20 suspects of involvement in the manipulation of beverage have been arrested. The amount represents almost half of the 41 arrests of suspects of adulting drinks made since the beginning of the year. “We are arresting the suspects to qualify, see other crimes they may have committed. Prisoners have no relationship with each other. Within the city, they do not relationship with each other,” said the governor.
According to the Secretary of Public Security, the washing of methanol containers is not discarded, but the main line of investigation is the intentional use of to tamper with beverages, increasing the contents of the containers.
The State of São Paulo continues with 11 banned establishments. Samples of suspected methanol contamination are collected that are later analyzed by. Until then, locations can be interdicted for sanitary reasons such as lack of on -site hygiene and problems in food storage.
Authorities guide the population about the importance of not consuming counterfeit products and seeking medical help if it has symptoms. Methanol poisoning is severe, can lead to permanent blindness and even death.
Balance of cases in Brazil
In addition to actions by state governments, it also opened an inquiry to investigate the cases. On Thursday (2), Health Minister Alexandre Padilha also announced a set of strategic actions. A situation room was created to monitor and coordinate the national response.
According to the last disclosure made on Sunday (5), the Ministry of Health confirmed 225 records of methanol poisoning after ingestion of alcohol in Brazil. The number takes into account the investigated and confirmed cases that have been reported by the States and consolidated by the Strategic Information Center and National Health Surveillance Response (CIEVS).
Throughout the country, there are 16 confirmed cases. The other 209 are still under investigation in 13 states – Federal District, Goiás, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Pernambuco, Paraná, Rondônia, Sao Paulo, Piauí, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Paraíba and Ceará. Bahia and Espírito Santo had the discarded recorded cases.
Methanol is used as a raw material for fuels and is inappropriate for human consumption, but would be used in the falsification of alcoholic beverages. The cases, which began in Sao Paulo, occurred after the consumption of distilled alcohol, such as gin, vodka and whiskey.
Medical care should be done as soon as possible
According to the state government, the patient with unusual condition after drinking alcohol should seek immediate medical care to perform laboratory tests and ophthalmological evaluation. The alert symptoms are intense abdominal pain, dizziness and mental confusion. Relief within 6 hours after the onset of symptoms is critical to avoid the aggravation of the patient’s clinical condition.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health said it began the distribution of pharmaceutical ethanol, an antidote used in the treatment of methanol intoxicated patients, to the states that formalized inventory reinforcement request.
How to denounce
Complaints about possible irregularities and suspicions about adulterated beverages can be sent by Denunciation Dial 181 or the São Paulo Civil Police website. Click here to learn more. Procon-SP also receives complaints for Dial 151 and the site, where the consumer also finds information on how to make the complaint.
In addition, the 0800 642 9782 of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), is available to clarify doubts of the population, professionals and traders about intoxications and procedures.
Guidelines for consumers
- Look for well -known establishments or reference;
- Be wary of very low prices – at least they may indicate some failure such as evasion and tampering, for example;
- Observe the presentation of the packaging and the appearance of the product;
- Noting some difference, do not do home tests like smelling, proving or trying to burn the drink;
- Be aware of symptoms after consumption: cloudy vision, intense headache, nausea, dizziness or relegation of the level of consciousness, this may indicate methanol or adulterated drink intoxication;
- Seek immediate medical care: If there is any suspicious symptoms, the consumer should seek medical urgency without delay;
- Always require the invoice or proof of origin.
*With information from Estadão Content
Posted by Nátaly Tenório
