Mason Delacroix
In 2019, toxic levels of methanol were discovered in alcohol samples from several cities in Costa Rica, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people. The Costa Rican government issued a warning, urging citizens to refrain from consuming alcohol from at least six identified brands and confiscated around 30,000 bottles. The incident raised concerns about the dangers of tainted alcohol, with health officials advising consumers to be cautious and seek medical attention if they experienced symptoms of methanol poisoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Deaths | 25 |
| Number of Hospitalizations | 59 |
| Cities | San Jose, Alajuela |
| Number of Closed Establishments | 10 |
| Number of Confiscated Containers | 55,000 |
| Type of Alcohol | Methanol |
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What You'll Learn
Tainted alcohol kills 19 in Costa Rica
In 2019, 19 people in Costa Rica died from drinking alcohol tainted with methanol. The victims included 14 men and five women, aged between 32 and 72, who died in several cities across the country since early June. The Costa Rican Health Ministry issued a warning and urged consumers to refrain from buying illegal alcoholic drinks, be aware of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, and seek immediate medical attention.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that is not meant for human consumption. It is typically found in products like antifreeze, varnishes, fuels, paint remover, and copy machine fluids. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), methanol is often added to counterfeit or informally made alcoholic drinks. These drinks may be sold in shops, markets, and bars at bargain prices, misleading consumers into believing they are purchasing legitimate brands.
In response to the incident, the Costa Rican government confiscated around 30,000 bottles from brands suspected of containing methanol, such as "Aguardiente Molotov" and "Guaro Gran Apache." The government also closed down 10 stores in the San Jose and Alajuela areas.
The incident raised concerns about the safety of tourists visiting Costa Rica, a popular eco-tourism destination that attracts over 1.7 million visitors annually, mainly from the United States and Canada. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute reassured potential visitors that no tourists had been affected by the tainted alcohol and that visitor safety was a priority. They also urged tourists to be vigilant about the alcohol they consumed.
The issue of tainted alcohol is not unique to Costa Rica, with similar incidents reported in other countries, including the Dominican Republic, where several American tourists died under mysterious circumstances. The FBI is investigating the potential link between these deaths and tainted alcohol.
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The Costa Rica Health Ministry warns against six brands
In 2019, Costa Rica's Health Ministry issued a warning against six brands of alcohol after at least 19 people died from methanol poisoning. The victims included 14 men and five women, aged 32 to 72, who died in several cities across the country since early June. The Health Ministry alerted the public that toxic levels of methanol were discovered in samples of the brands, prompting authorities to confiscate around 30,000 bottles.
Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol that is not meant for human consumption. It is typically found in industrial and automotive products such as antifreeze, varnishes, fuels, paint remover, and copy machine fluids. When consumed, methanol can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, muscle paralysis, and even death. According to the World Health Organization, methanol is often added to counterfeit or informally produced alcoholic drinks, which are then sold in shops, markets, and bars at bargain prices.
In response to the incidents, the Costa Rica Tourism Institute reassured tourists that no visitors to the country had been affected by the adulterated alcohol and that their safety was a priority. The government took swift action, closing down 10 establishments in the San Jose and Alajuela areas and seizing more than 55,000 containers of counterfeit spirits.
The warning against the six brands comes as part of a nationwide investigation into the tainted alcohol. The Costa Rican government is working to understand the scope of the issue and prevent further incidents. While the specific brands warned against were not named in the reports, the Health Ministry's advisory underscores the importance of vigilance when consuming alcohol in Costa Rica and other countries where illicit alcohol may be present.
To protect themselves from the dangers of tainted alcohol, travellers are advised to refrain from purchasing illegal alcoholic drinks, be aware of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, and seek medical attention immediately if they experience any adverse effects after consuming alcohol.
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30,000 bottles of alcohol confiscated
In 2019, Costa Rica confiscated 30,000 bottles of alcohol after 19 people died from methanol poisoning. The toxic chemical, which is typically found in antifreeze, varnishes, and fuels, is often added to counterfeit or informally made alcoholic drinks. The tainted alcohol was found in several cities across the country, including San Jose, Cartago, Heredia, the Limón area, and Guanacaste.
The Costa Rican government issued a national alert and confiscated bottles from six brands: Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Star Welsh, Aguardiente Barón Rojo (also known as Aguardiente Estrella), Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov. The bottles tested positive for methanol adulteration, which can cause confusion, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, and lack of muscle coordination.
The confiscation of the 30,000 bottles of alcohol was part of a nationwide investigation into the source of the tainted alcohol. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute and the Ministry of Health reassured visitors that no tourists had been affected by the adulterated alcohol and that their safety was a top priority. They urged tourists to be vigilant about the alcohol they consumed and to follow the guidelines provided by the local authorities.
The incidents in Costa Rica followed the mysterious deaths of 11 American tourists in the Dominican Republic, where alcohol samples from hotels are being analyzed by the FBI. The Hard Rock Hotel chain removed liquor dispensers from rooms in the Caribbean and their properties in Mexico. The growing concern over counterfeit alcohol has also led to stricter food and drink inspections in the Dominican Republic and increased preventative measures by spirits producers and law enforcement.
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10 stores closed in San Jose and Alajuela
In 2019, Costa Rica made headlines after several tourists died due to methanol-tainted alcohol. The toxic alcohol killed at least 19 people, with several others hospitalized. The victims included 14 men and 5 women between the ages of 32 and 72. The deaths occurred in several cities around the country, including San Jose and Alajuela.
Following the tragic incident, the Costa Rican government took swift action to address the issue. They confiscated more than 55,000 bottles of counterfeit spirits and conducted a nationwide investigation. Additionally, they closed down 10 stores in the San Jose and Alajuela areas. These closures were a direct response to the sale of alcoholic drinks adulterated with methanol, and recent sanitary alerts.
The specific details of which stores were closed and their exact locations were not readily available. However, it is important to note that the closures were likely a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute reaffirmed that visitor safety is a priority and encouraged tourists to remain vigilant about the alcohol they consume.
To protect themselves, tourists are advised to purchase alcohol only from legitimate retailers, such as duty-free shops, and to stick to beer and wine in places with a higher risk of tainted beverages, such as resorts, swim-up bars, and cheap beach locations. Additionally, it is recommended to be aware of the symptoms of methanol poisoning and to seek immediate medical attention if any are experienced.
While the incidents of tainted alcohol in Costa Rica were concerning, it is important to note that the country has taken significant steps to address the issue and prevent future occurrences. The government's efforts to confiscate counterfeit liquor, close down establishments, and increase awareness among travelers demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors alike.
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Visitors urged to be vigilant of alcohol they consume
In 2019, Costa Rica's Ministry of Health reported that 25 people had died due to methanol poisoning from consuming tainted spirits. The deaths included 19 local men and 6 women, aged between 32 and 72. An additional 59 people were hospitalized after ingesting counterfeit alcohol. The toxic chemical methanol, which is typically found in antifreeze, varnishes, and fuels, is often added to counterfeit or informally made alcoholic drinks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Following these incidents, the Costa Rica Tourism Institute urged visitors to be vigilant about the alcohol they consume. It can be challenging to detect unhealthy levels of methanol through a simple smell check, as methanol smells nearly identical to ethanol, the alcohol typically found in spirits. Tourists are advised to watch out for mixed drinks, especially those that are suspiciously cheap, and to buy only from legitimate retailers.
To ensure visitor safety, the Costa Rican government has taken several measures. They have confiscated more than 55,000 containers of counterfeit spirits and closed down 10 stores in the San Jose and Alajuela areas. The Health Ministry has also warned against drinking at least six brands found to contain toxic levels of methanol and has confiscated around 30,000 bottles.
When drinking in Costa Rica, it is important to respect local customs and drink responsibly. The legal drinking age in the country is 18 years old, and it is mandatory for vendors to ask for ID when purchasing alcohol if the customer appears young. It is recommended to always carry an accepted form of identification, such as a passport or driver's license, to confirm your age. Additionally, it is essential to balance alcohol consumption with plenty of water due to the country's tropical climate.
Costa Rica has a diverse range of alcoholic beverages to offer, from national beers to sugarcane liquor and tropical cocktails. Visitors can enjoy the famous Imperial beer, craft beers from local breweries, or explore local drinks such as guaro, a sugarcane liquor used in various cocktails.
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Frequently asked questions
The Costa Rican government closed 10 establishments in San José and Alajuela and seized more than 30,000-55,000 containers due to the commercialisation of methanol-laced alcoholic drinks.
Nineteen local men and six women, ranging in age from 32 to 72, succumbed to lethal doses of methanol. An additional 59 were hospitalised after ingesting counterfeit alcohol.
The Costa Rica Tourism Institute has stated that no tourists have been affected by the adulterated alcohol, and that visitor safety is a priority. They have also assured that local authorities are monitoring the situation and working to understand and remain transparent about the investigation.
