What's Really in Your Drink? Brazil's Methanol Poisoning Outbreak Explained

Recently, there have been multiple reported cases in Brazil of people intoxicated by a substance called methanol after ingesting alcoholic beverages. However, the question that lingers is: What is actually happening with the drinks we are so used to consuming? 

To fully grasp the situation, we have to understand what is causing people to face these health issues. The primary ingredient found in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, which sources the effects of alcohol consumption. Despite its influence, the ingestion of the substance is not toxic.  Methanol, on the other hand, is not safe for human consumption. Recent incidents have disclosed methanol poisoning from adulterated alcoholic beverages around the country.

During the standard process of alcohol production, all drinks get contaminated with methanol. But if that is the case,  how does it differ from adulteration? When a beverage is produced by a verified company, it goes through a process to remove the methanol, therefore, becoming safe for consumption. However,  the issue lies in the illegal production of alcohol, where the beverages are not verified before being sold. People who purchase and ingest these beverages are then subjected to intoxication. 

As of October 22nd, 2025, Brazil reported a total of fifty three verified cases, ten of which have resulted in death, and numerous other suspected cases of methanol ingestion. The numbers are expected to increase. Currently, São Paulo holds the highest number of confirmed cases. The main symptoms reported by intoxicated individuals include blindness and general malaise.

The bottom line is that the danger comes from illegal production. When drinking intoxicated beverages, the symptoms can be mistaken for usual drunkenness. Because further consequences can only be noticed hours later, manufacturers have been adulterating beverages with methanol with the primary purpose of cost reduction. The main problem with consuming alcohol these days is that the chances of contamination are extremely high. People have been advised to avoid alcoholic beverages and remain aware of the signs of counterfeit products until this crisis comes to an end.