Methanol drinks claim dozens of lives in Peru

According to the health ministry of Peru, at least 54 people have died in the past month after drinking bottled beverages containing the toxic alcohol methanol.

Since mid-September, the ministry reported 117 cases of methanol intoxication. 54 of them died.

After testing found that the vodka/passion fruit and pina colada-flavored beverages marketed in two-liter plastic bottles under the brand name Punto D Oro included methanol, which is a component of antifreeze and windshield washer fluid, the ministry had advised consumers not to consume them.

It warned the drinks posed "serious damage to the health of people who ingest them."