health Ministry Seeks Backer Beer poisoning Data Amidst New Methanol Outbreak
Belo Horizonte, October 3, 2025 – Brazil’s Ministry of Health has requested data from the City of Belo Horizonte (PBH) regarding the 2020 investigation into poisonings linked to Backer beer. The data will aid the Ministry’s ongoing investigation into recent cases of methanol poisoning reported in bahia,the Federal District,Paraná,Pernambuco,and São Paulo.
The request was announced Friday by belo Horizonte’s Municipal Secretary of Health, Danilo Borges, in an interview with O Tempo. “Yesterday (October 2nd),we had a meeting for conferencing with the Ministry of health. We were offering support in the face of the expertise we acquired in this case,” Borges stated.
The 2020 Backer brewery incident resulted in ten deaths and at least 19 individuals suffering permanent health consequences. Investigations determined the products were contaminated with diethylene glycol and monoethylene glycol, toxic substances commonly used as antifreeze.
Regarding the current methanol poisoning concerns, borges confirmed Belo Horizonte is on alert and its healthcare network is prepared to respond. However, he emphasized that as of today, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of methanol poisoning from alcoholic beverages within the city.
“Our epidemiological surveillance system is very alert, monitoring hospitalizations,” Borges said. On Wednesday, October 1st, guidance was distributed to health professionals at the city’s 153 health posts and nine Urgent Care Units (UPAs). The city also plans to increase inspections of establishments selling alcohol.
The Secretary urged citizens to limit alcohol consumption, stating, “This is not an item of our primordial need, it can be replaced. If you can avoid, it is a good precaution.”
Borges also advised vigilance for symptoms including nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, and headache. “Symptoms are not immediate and may appear up to 48 hours after consumption.So it is important to observe and seek medical attention,” he concluded.
