Tainted Alcohol--no more Caipirinhas?

[Traveler365]

There has been a widely reported instance of tainted alcohol showing up in venues in Sao Paulo--including apparently in some upscale venues. The situation was deemed serious enough that the health minister urged people to avoid ordering mixed drinks. My friends in Brazil tell me its a big deal and people are avoiding mixed drinks and drinking beer instead. Does this mean we won't be able to enjoy that Caipirinha anymore without fear of going blind or worse?

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/brazilians-avoid-drinking-after-authorities-confirm-methanol-poisoning-126217016

[Xclay]

Short answer: Yes.

Long AI answer:  "There is an ongoing and notable threat from tainted liquor in Sao Paulo, particularly involving methanol adulteration in alcoholic beverages used for mixed drinks like caipirinhas. This has led to at least 10 confirmed cases of severe methanol intoxication across the state, including in Sao Paulo city, resulting in symptoms such as coma, permanent vision loss, organ failure, and death. 

Some sources indicate over 20 people affected in the past month, with at least two deaths and multiple instances of irreversible blindness, such as a 40-year-old woman who lost her sight after consuming drinks at a bar in a upscale neighborhood.

The issue appears linked to organized crime groups, like the PCC, allegedly using illegally imported methanol to produce and distribute counterfeit whiskey, gin, vodka, and other spirits to boost profits in the clandestine market. 

This has prompted widespread caution among locals and tourists, with many avoiding cocktails in bars near busy areas like Paulista Avenue and opting for safer alternatives like beer or wine instead. 

The problem has spilled over to other parts of Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, putting the country on high alert.

While not a massive epidemic, the threat is serious enough to warrant public health warnings, political scrutiny (including calls for investigations by agencies like ANVISA and PROCON), and behavioral changes in social settings.

Incidents have been reported as recently as late September to early October 2025, with no clear resolution yet from authorities on identifying specific tainted batches or brands.

If you're in the area, sticking to sealed, reputable bottled drinks or non-alcoholic options is advisable based on these accounts."

[floridarob]

Anyone that knows me, know that I have my own "water" bottle for this reason, I have for years.

Asia also has this problem..... I've bought fake rum in Rio and Pattaya, so sticking to big grocery stores seems to be safe, the mafia seems to offer better prices or threats to the smaller places to see their product.

I wish I liked beer, not worth counterfeiting...much like one dollar bills.

[Latbear4blk]

32 minutes ago, floridarob said:

Anyone that knows me, know that I have my own "water" bottle for this reason, I have for years.

Asia also has this problem..... I've bought fake rum in Rio and Pattaya, so sticking to big grocery stores seems to be safe, the mafia seems to offer better prices or threats to the smaller places to see their product.

I wish I liked beer, not worth counterfeiting...much like one dollar bills.

The boys at Clube 11 would not stop talking about this, astonished at me, who would not stop ordering capiroskas and caipirinhas. 

[Traveler365]

A few years ago at Carnival I had a singe Caipirinha from a stand near Farme de Amoedo. I had the strangest feeling shortly after of not being able to walk properly yet not really feeling any buzz. I somewhat dramatically announced to my friends that I had been drugged and returned to the apartment to rest. After several hours I was back to normal. I know how a normal Caipirinha affects me and this was clearly different. I sent his story  to my friends who were with me and feel a little vindicated that I wasn't crazy. Apparently it's been widely known that 35% of the spirits in Brazil are counterfeit--though not necessarily contaminated.

 

[PeterRS]

12 hours ago, floridarob said:

Asia also has this problem.....

Six tourists died in the town of Vang Vieng in Laos last November - spiked drinks.