What in the World - Why are people dying from fake alcohol in Brazil?

Download Why are people dying from fake alcohol in Brazil?

Methanol poisoning has surged in Brazil, mostly around São Paulo. At least three people have died, including a 30-year-old woman. Hundreds more have been poisoned. Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly found in cleaning products, fuel and antifreeze. It is highly poisonous, even in small amounts, and easily goes undetected - which makes it very dangerous.

BBC Brasil’s Luiz Fernando Toledo has been investigating how Brazil’s methanol poisoning crisis started, and why it’s so widespread. He joins us to talk through his findings. Plus, a few young women in Brazil share why they’ve stopped drinking, and even socialising, all together.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Mora Morrison and Benita Barden
Video Journalist: Baldeep Chahal
Editor: Verity Wilde

Published on Tuesday, 21st October 2025.

Available Podcasts from What in the World

Subscribe to What in the World

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the What in the World webpage.