Police intensify actions against beverages containing methanol in São Paulo.
Operation shuts down bars and supermarkets after poisoning deaths.
247 - The São Paulo Civil Police, together with the Health Surveillance, carried out this Wednesday (1st) a new inspection operation in establishments suspected of selling alcoholic beverages adulterated with methanol. The offensive took place in four locations in the capital and the metropolitan region, after the confirmation of five deaths caused by intoxication.
According to FSPTwo of the inspected locations are in Bela Vista, in the city center, where a supermarket received the agents around 11 am. The other establishments targeted in the operation are located in Barueri, in Greater São Paulo.
Bars shut down and investigations underway.
On Tuesday (30), authorities had already closed the Ministrão bar, located on Alameda Lorena, in Jardins, on suspicion of selling contaminated drinks. Two other bars were also closed: one in Mooca, in the east zone, and another in São Bernardo do Campo, in the ABC region.
In addition to these, a mini-market in Planalto Paulista, in the southern part of the capital, was inspected, while a distributor in the M'Boi Mirim region had its activities partially shut down.
Victims and suspected cases
As of Wednesday, seven cases of poisoning directly linked to the consumption of adulterated beverages have been confirmed by authorities in São Paulo. Another 15 incidents are still under investigation, according to the Civil Police.
The sale and consumption of beverages contaminated with methanol pose a serious health risk, potentially causing anything from neurological damage and blindness to death. Joint operations between the Civil Police and Health Surveillance are ongoing with the aim of identifying suppliers and curbing the circulation of these products in the São Paulo market.
