What in the World Why are people dying from fake alcohol in Brazil?
Oct 21, 2025
Luiz Fernando Toledo, a reporter for BBC Brasil, dives into the alarming surge of methanol poisoning in Brazil. He explores how counterfeit alcohol is infiltrating the drinking culture, causing fear among locals. Toledo explains the dangers of methanol, describing symptoms that can lead to blindness and death. He shares insights on the proliferation of fake brands and the urgent need for awareness. Young women recount how the crisis has reshaped their social lives, leading many to avoid drinking altogether for safety.
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Street Drinks Are A Common Habit
- Luiz Fernando Toledo describes buying large cheap spirits (copão) from street vendors as a normal, everyday habit in Brazil.
- He and others never thought these purchases could be dangerous until the methanol cases emerged.
Methanol Mimics A Normal Hangover
- Methanol feels like ordinary intoxication at first, delaying recognition of poisoning.
- That delayed onset makes methanol uniquely dangerous because symptoms worsen and become irreversible.
Counterfeit Bottles Undermine Trust
- Empty branded bottles, caps and federal tax seals are widely sold online, enabling realistic fake liquor.
- This weakens trust in seals and complicates efforts to spot counterfeit alcohol.