No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaTainted liquor cases on the decline, Health Ministry says

Tainted liquor cases on the decline, Health Ministry says

Twenty-six people have died in Costa Rica since June after consuming tainted liquor, but the Health Ministry says there have been no new deaths since Aug. 1.

The organization’s latest figures show 72 people have been hospitalized with methanol poisoning as a result of drinking adulterated or unlicensed alcohol. No tourists have been affected by adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica, the Health Ministry says.

In an effort to minimize the risk to public health, authorities have seized more than 65,000 bottles of liquor and shuttered businesses that continue to sell affected brands.

While the number of methanol poisoning cases is declining, the Health Ministry’s alert remains in effect and the following liquor brands are still banned in Costa Rica: “Guaro Montano,” “Guaro Chonete,” “Guaro Cuerazo,” “Guaro Sacheto,” “Guaro Gran Apache,” “Aguardiente Estrella Roja,” “Aguardiente Barón Rojo,” “Aguardiente Timbuka,” and “Aguardiente Molotov.”

Do not drink alcohol sold under those brands, and report to the Health Ministry (denuncias.drpis@misalud.go.cr) if you see them being sold anywhere in Costa Rica before the health alert is lifted.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning may not appear immediately. They include acute abdominal pain, acute headache and ataxia (lack of coordination of body movements), according to the Health Ministry.

 

Trending Now

Costa Rica Court Sanctions Road Official Over Delayed Wildlife Crossings

Costa Rica’s wildlife faces perils, as authorities have continously failed to build wildlife crossings. Nonetheless, the Constitutional Court has taken a firm stance in...

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Drowning in Costa Rica Ruled Accidental

The death of American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has been confirmed as accidental drowning, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Warner, 54, was...

Costa Rica Rescues Endangered Amphibians and Turtles in Store Bust

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), through its Specialized Section Against Environmental Crimes, carried out an operation at a store in Vázquez de Coronado, San...

Costa Rica Opens New Pedestrian Bridge at Guayabo National Monument

Costa Rica has added a new attraction to its archaeological sites with the opening of a pedestrian bridge at Guayabo National Monument. The structure...

Costa Rica Tops Latin America in Attracting Foreign Millionaires

Costa Rica is a country that attracts millionaires. Projections indicate that by the end of 2025, a total of 350 foreign millionaires will have...

Can Costa Rica’s Blue Zone Preserve Its Longevity Legacy?

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is recognized worldwide as one of the five blue zones, where people live beyond the age of 90...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica