Beth Sahão’s proposal establishes an alphanumeric code that would make it possible to verify the authenticity of the product
The state deputy (PT-SP) at Alesp (Legislative Assembly of São Paulo) a PL (Bill) to make it mandatory to include an alphanumeric security code and an “original drink” seal on the packaging of alcoholic beverages produced and sold in São Paulo.
The measure comes at a time when the State is facing a wave of methanol poisoning. The text ( – PDF – 449 kB) proposes the creation of a digital platform to monitor the authenticity of products.
The alphanumeric security code must be linked to the production batch and the respective individual packaging. It will send to a digital system that will allow traceability and verification of the authenticity of the product.
This code “must be engraved on bottles, cans, containers, lids and labels used in the manufacture of beverage packaging, in accordance with specific standards”.
It is this code that will direct the consumer, trader or distributor to an official digital platform that must be created to verify the authenticity of the product.
Non-compliance will result in punishments ranging from fines to the cancellation of the state distributor registration, the definitive closure of the factory in the State of São Paulo and the revocation of the state registration of the establishment that sells drinks without the code or seal.
When justifying the measure, the state deputy cited cases of methanol poisoning. “This situation exposes not only the fragility of the current control system, but also the urgency of accessible, modern and effective traceability and verification instruments”these.
In a bulletin released on Friday (October 10, 2025), the Ministry of Health states that Brazil has 29 confirmed cases of methanol poisoning due to ingestion of adulterated alcoholic beverages.
Of the 29 confirmed cases, 25 were registered in São Paulo, 3 in Paraná and 1 in Rio Grande do Sul. In total, there are 217 notifications under investigation.
What is methanol?
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol (CH₃OH), is a chemical substance highly toxic, volatile and flammable. It is a simple, colorless alcohol, with an odor similar to that of common alcoholic beverages. In the past, it was called “wood alcohol” because it is obtained from the distillation of logs. Today, it is produced on an industrial scale, mainly from natural gas.
The liquid is used as a raw material for the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, resins, solvents e paints. It is also present in antifreeze, window cleaner e paint removers. In Brazil, one of the main applications is in the production of biodieselthrough transesterification.
Lethal dosage
The ingestion of 4 ml the 10 ml can cause irreversible damage, such as blindness, according to the CFQ (Federal Chemistry Council). The council warns that small doses already pose a real threat to life. Estimate that 30 ml of pure methanol can be lethal.
Effects on the body
The greatest danger of ingestion appears in late effectsstates the Federal Chemistry Council. Methanol is metabolized in the body into formaldehyde and formic acidthe latter responsible for causing metabolic acidosis — a serious imbalance in blood pH. Symptoms include:
- accelerated breathing;
- increased heart rate;
- persistent abdominal pain; and
- damage to vision, which can lead to irreversible blindness.
Diagnosis and treatment
According to Abno (Brazilian Association of Neuro-ophthalmology), .
If you suspect ingestion or prolonged contact with methanol, do not induce vomiting and take the person to the hospital urgently. The sooner diagnosis and treatment are carried out, the lower the risk of death or serious consequences.
Treatment is with intravenous medications (fomepizole) which, like ethanol, can inhibit methanol metabolism, preventing the formation of formic acid, which causes the most serious sequelae. The patient may undergo gastric lavage and hemodialysis.
The risk of adulteration
According to the Federal Chemistry Council, the problem arises when methanol is used criminally in adulteration of alcoholic beverages.
Ingestion, inhalation or prolonged contact may cause immediate symptomssuch as nausea, dizziness, vomiting and central nervous system depression.
Prevention and control
To avoid poisoning, it is recommended:
- check the origin of the drinks purchased;
- be wary of prices well below the market; and
- Do not consume products without official registration.
Strict supervision by government bodies and periodic laboratory analyzes carried out by chemical professionals are essential to prevent tragedies. They have the role of identifying contaminants, ensuring the quality of products and raising awareness among the population about the risks of consuming adulterated drinks.
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