The Brazilian Ministry of Health warns people to avoid cocktails after infected spirits who killed at least one person, blinded others and fueled a rural panic.
From chic São Paulo-Bars to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazilians are sharp after a wave of suspected poisoning of drinks that drinkers die, blind or in comas.
Civil servants have confirmed one death by methanol poisoning. The Ministry of Health says that 127 suspected cases were reported nationally with 11 confirmed and 116 are assessed in at least five states and the capital, BrasÃlia.
Local media said victims include customers in luxury bars and restaurants. Some lost their view or fell into Comas after drinking famous Brazilian Caipirinhas, Wodka Tonics and other clear cocktails.
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Gustavo Candido drinks drink in a bar in São Paulo Friday, October 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chieguini)
“I’m not going to drink this weekend. Things are disturbing” said Rafael MartinezA 30-year-old architect in São Paulo. “For now I prefer to stick to soft drinks or, maximum beer, which they said is more difficult to mess with.”
Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha insisted Brazilians to “stay away from colorless spirits” and announced new emergency measures, including the purchase of 2500 doses of Fomeepizol, a antidote for methanol poisoning and 12,000 ampules of ethanol of medical quality. The shipments started on Saturday to five states such as the government racet to prevent more deaths.
According to the ministry, most cases are in São Paulo, although cases have surfaced into Pernambuco and Mato Grosso do Sul. Padilha said that the new stock would ensure that “no patient goes without treatment” and that both antidotes can be administered even before the laboratory confirmation.
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People drink beer in a bar in São Paulo Friday, October 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chieguini)
Federal Police is investigating a potential link to organized crime groups accused of spreading counterfeit liqueur.
Methanol is an industrial chemical that can cause nerve and liver damage and is sometimes found in fake or poorly distilled alcohol.
Restaurant owners suspend the drink sales to reassure nervous customers.
“Nobody bought drinks last night … even I don’t want to drink,” said Nikolaos Loukopoulos, who runs a Greek restaurant in São Paulo. “With a beer we are fine in this heat. Why do it risk?”
Tourist Hotspot Rio de Janeiro has not included confirmed cases, but beach kiosks and restaurants have placed warnings on social media to calm visitors.
People drink beer in a bar in São Paulo Friday, October 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ettore Chieguini)
Thais Flores, a 28-year-old dental surgeon who visited Rio from São Paulo, said that she reluctantly ordered a corona from a beach kiosk.
“I don’t really like beer, but because of the latest news it was my favorite drink.”
Her friend, Raquel Marques, 29, said she had drunk a vodka Caipirinha.
“I’m scared, but we took a chance,” she said. “The man said he bought it on the market.”
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The fear comes when Brazil is preparing for its top tourism season, which increases the fear of an economic hit on its beaches and nightlife industry.
The Associated Press has contributed to this report.
