A technical note with urgent recommendations to establishments that sell alcohol in the state of São Paulo and nearby regions was published by the National Consumer Secretariat (Senacon) and the National Council to Combat Piracy and Crimes Against Intellectual Property (CNCP).
THE measure was published after nine cases of methanol poisoning in alcohol, which resulted in two deathsfor a period of 25 days.
According to the newsletter, the goal “is to guide the private sector and discourage the criminal action of counterfections and irregular distributors.”
The measure is directed to bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, markets, attacks, distributors, platforms e-commerce and delivery applications, but also guides consumers about warning signs to suspect tampering.
Are recommended to the establishments:
- Exclusive acquisition of drinks through formal suppliers with active CNPJ and regularity in the segment;
- Purchase accompanied by invoice and security key conference on the IRS channels;
- Failure to receive bottles with violated seal and cork, misaligned or low quality labels, absence of manufacturer and importer identification, without identifying the lots, with repeated or illegible numbering;
- Conducting traceability measures as double checking.
The document also points out that Price practice far below the market, odor incompatible with the drink, or report of unwanted symptoms such as cloudy vision, intense headache, nausea, dizziness or relegation of the level of consciousness are alert to suspect tampering.
“In these situations, do not perform ‘home tests’ (smell, prove, light): such practices are neither safe nor conclusive”, reinforces the technical note.
The interruption of marketing should be immediate in case of suspected adulterated product, the agencies, which also highlight the need to guide consumers who will have any of the symptoms to seek medical attention urgently.
“The establishment must trigger the dial-toxication 0800 722 6001 (Anvisa) for clinical and toxicological orientation. According to the local reality, it is recommended to immediately notify the Municipal/State Health Surveillance, the Civil Police (197), the Procon and, when applicable, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock for chain tracking.”
Crime
By note, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security – to which Senacon is linked – stressed that the commercialization of adulterated products is a crime provided for in article 272 of the Penal Code and that the law that deals with consumer relations (Law No. 8,137/1990) also provides penalties to those who offer improper products for consumption.
The federal agency also informs that the Consumer Protection Code attributes to the supplier the responsibility for product security.
“MJSP reaffirms its commitment to maintain permanent dialogue with the private sector, strengthen institutional cooperation and adopt measures that guarantee security for Brazilian consumers.”
