A 51-year-old man was hospitalized with methanol poisoning after consuming a tampered drink in São Bernardo do Campo, in Greater São Paulo. This is the 54th case of methanol poisoning registered in the state of São Paulo, where 12 people have died after consuming contaminated drinks with the substance. The victim received medical attention and was discharged from the hospital, but the municipal Health Surveillance is still investigating the origin of the tampered drink and trying to identify where it was consumed.
Methanol poisoning is a serious condition that can cause blindness and even be lethal if consumed in large quantities. The chemical compound is found in some foods and drinks in small quantities, but the permitted limit in spirits is 20 milligrams per 100 milliliters, according to the regulation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa). The São Paulo Civil Police has arrested dozens of people involved in the counterfeiting and tampering of drinks since the emergence of the first episodes of methanol contamination. It is essential to be careful with the origin of drinks and verify if they were acquired in reliable establishments.
Across Brazil, between September and December 2025, 890 notifications related to methanol poisoning were registered, with 73 confirmed cases and 22 deaths. Most of the victims consumed alcoholic beverages tampered with methanol, which can be found in cleaning products and other items that are not intended for human consumption. The Ministry of Health warns that methanol poisoning can occur through the consumption of contaminated drinks, inhalation, or skin contact. The population should be aware of the risks and take measures to avoid exposure to methanol.
The Health Surveillance and the Civil Police continue to investigate the cases of methanol poisoning and work to identify and punish those responsible for the tampering of drinks. Additionally, it is essential that the population is informed about the risks of methanol and takes measures to protect themselves, such as verifying the origin of drinks and not consuming products that appear to be tampered with or have a strange smell or taste. It is also important to know that methanol can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, and that prolonged exposure can lead to serious health damage.
