The Health Surveillance Department of the Marabá Health Department, together with Procon and support from the Municipal Guard, began a series of inspections in establishments that sell alcoholic beverages in the municipality of Marabá, located in the southeast of Pará.
The operation began on Monday (6) and was launched after a recommendation from the Public Ministry of the State of Pará (MPPA), given signs of adulteration of drinks with methanol, a highly toxic and flammable substance.
A CNN Brazil found that a man fell ill after drinking an alcoholic drink suspected of containing methanol during an event in Marabá, on September 28th. He reported having consumed spirit-based drinks and was hospitalized for a week.
The patient was discharged on October 3rd, but must still return to the health unit for medical evaluation and possible hemodialysis. CNN awaits feedback from the Municipal Health Department.
MP’s request
Last Friday (3), the 7th Public Prosecutor’s Office of Marabá issued a recommendation for inspection bodies to investigate and prevent the production, distribution and sale of possibly adulterated alcoholic beverages.
The MPPA warned that methanol consumption can cause blindness, neurological damage and even death, even in small quantities.
Prosecutor Mayanna Silva de Souza Queiroz, responsible for the recommendation, highlighted that the measure aims to protect public health and guarantee the right to food safety, as provided for in the Federal Constitution and the Consumer Protection Code.
The document also advises that bars, distributors and local businesses present invoices and proof of origin of the drinks sold. In case of irregularities, those responsible may be subject to administrative and criminal sanctions.
According to Health Surveillance technician Flávio Ferreira, inspections cover all points of sale, whether registered or not, and involve checking the validity, origin and sealing of products, in addition to checking invoices.
“We try to identify whether the product is truly original, even if sealed. That’s why it’s essential to check the invoices to confirm the manufacturer,” he said.
In addition to product inspection, the operation also seeks to regularize establishments without a health license, as explained by Ferreira.
“It is important that all traders contact the Surveillance Department to regularize and issue an annual license”, he added. According to Procon Marabá inspector Bruna Pereira, expired or violated products will be collected and those responsible will be fined.
“We check labels, validity, seals and storage. When there are irregularities, Procon and Health Surveillance apply the appropriate measures”, he highlighted. The MPPA informed that compliance with the recommendation will be monitored and that new measures may be adopted as the investigations progress.
