Methanol Poisoning Claims Third Life in São Paulo, Brazil

Fri Oct 10 2025 10:52:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A tragic series of methanol poisoning incidents has led to the death of a third individual in São Paulo, raising alarms over alcohol safety in the region.

In São Paulo, Brazil, a young woman named Bruna Araújo de Souza became the third victim of methanol poisoning linked to unsafe alcoholic beverages. The outbreak has resulted in 225 confirmed cases so far, prompting authorities to close multiple businesses and seize thousands of bottles of alcohol. The investigation into the source of contamination is ongoing, as officials stress the dangers of consuming unregulated drinks.

A 30-year-old woman has tragically passed away from methanol poisoning in São Paulo, marking the third reported death in the ongoing crisis linked to tainted alcoholic beverages. Bruna Araújo de Souza died after consuming a vodka drink at a local bar over a week ago, following the earlier deaths of two men who also consumed contaminated drinks.

Officials confirm there have been 225 cases of confirmed methanol poisoning reported, many of which are concentrated in São Paulo. Consequently, health authorities have taken serious measures to mitigate the situation, closing at least 11 businesses and confiscating over 10,000 bottles of various alcoholic beverages.

Health officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the alcohol contamination, and it remains uncertain whether the incidents were a result of intentional malfeasance or accidental oversight. Residents and visitors are being warned against consuming any drinks that lack proper labeling and safety seals.

Methanol, a toxic type of alcohol often found in industrial products, can lead to severe health issues even in small amounts. Symptoms may mimic a hangover, complicating diagnosis for those who have consumed tainted drinks.

Bruna Araújo de Souza’s case was particularly harrowing; she was hospitalized in severe condition with traces of methanol in her bloodstream. Tragically, she was pronounced brain dead following her hospitalization. The previously deceased men have been identified by Brazilian media as Marcos Antônio Jorge Júnior and Ricardo Lopes Mira, both hailing from São Paulo.

In light of this alarming situation, bars in the city, particularly around popular areas like Paulista Avenue, are warning patrons about the potential risks associated with cocktails. Some high-profile figures, including Brazilian rapper Hungria, have also come forward, sharing their own close calls with methanol poisoning.

Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha has characterized this ongoing crisis as an unprecedented situation regarding methanol poisoning in the country. The incidents echo past outbreaks, such as a tragic 1999 event in Bahia that resulted in 51 deaths and a more recent occurrence in Peru that claimed 54 lives in 2022.

Health organizations are voicing concerns, noting that thousands suffer from methanol poisoning each year, underscoring a global issue often exacerbated by regulatory gaps and a lack of public awareness.