Several establishments are issuing notes to say that drinks are purchased from approved distributors; State investigates deaths
Restaurants in Sao Paulo released notes this Thursday (30.Set.2025) after adulterated with methanol. 22 episodes of in the state were recorded, 5 confirmed and 17 under investigation. One death has been confirmed and 4 are under investigation.
O, located at Avenida Faria Lima and attended by classes A and B of São Paulo, announced the temporary suspension of the sale of spirits. Other establishments have used social networks to say that drinks are bought from approved distributors.
Naco in Pinheiros, for example, reported that all drinks and inputs on the menu “They are purchased only from official and authorized manufacturers and distributors, with invoice, seal and seal of authenticity guaranteed.”
A (Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants) also manifested itself. The entity warned of increasing falsification of alcoholic beverages, especially in high value -added products “Like whiskys, premium distillates and cachaça.”
Here are other manifestations:
What is methanol
Methanol (CH3OH) is a chemical compound also known as methyl alcohol. It is a liquid, flammable and colorless substance.
Its oldest process of obtaining was through dry distillation of wood. Currently, it is mainly produced from natural gas.
The most common use of methanol is in industry. It is a powerful industrial solvent, used in the plastics industry, the extraction of animal and plant products and the production of biodiesel.
According to the main German database of chemicals, aimed at preventing occupational accidents, the first symptoms of ingestion or inhalation of methanol may include:
- dizziness;
- headaches;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- visual disorders;
- irritation in the stomach and intestine;
- intense abdominal pain;
- mental confusion and
- Motor uncoordination.
Poisoning with methanol can cause coma and death.
Immediate or late appearance of visual disorders is possible – as a cloudy vision and dilated pupils – which can lead to blindness and optical nerve atrophy if the victim survives.
A concentration of 500mg/L is considered severe toxicity, while from 1,500 to 2,000 mg/l can be fatal.
Read the full grade of Abrasel:
“ABRASEL SÃO PAULO – Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants of SP warns to increase risks related to the falsification of alcohol, a criminal practice that threatens the health of consumers, impairs the credibility of bars and restaurants and generates economic damage to the sector.
“Falsification occurs mainly in high value -added products such as whiskys, premium distillates and cachaça, and has intensified in recent months.
“We are facing a public health and preservation of the image of the out -of -home food sector. Adulterated drinks can cause serious poisoning and even deaths. In addition to destroying consumer confidence, affecting bars and restaurants that work within the law,” says Gabriel Pinheiro, director of Abrasel SP.
“Guidelines for prevention
“To reduce risks and protect customers and businesses, Abrasel SP recommends that establishments strictly follow some care:
“• Purchases only from reliable suppliers: Prioritize legalized and recognized distributors who have their own and safe distribution system. Avoid purchases from traders or suppliers without solid history, especially when prices are far below the market, as this can be a strong indication of tampering, and always request invoice.
“• Safe Packaging: Empty bottles should be unused (broken) before discarding, preventing them from being reused by counterfections to mislead consumers with adulted products.
“Pinheiro stresses that most bars and restaurants associated with Abrasel SP already make their purchases exclusively through large suppliers, which significantly reduces the risk of receiving counterfeit products.
“Government inspection is fundamental: Abrasel SP defends the intensification of government inspection, with task force operations aimed at the origin of forgery, especially in irregular trade.
“Counterfections use original bottles and stamps, which makes it almost impossible to identify fraud only by visual analysis. Therefore, the authorities’ performance needs to focus on blocking production and distribution before these products reach the market,” adds Pinheiro. ”
