​Press Bulletin No. 192, 2019

- Purchasing only at authorized places and checking the seals, bottles/packaging and the health registration are all essential to avoid poisoning at this time of year.

Bogotá, December 23, 2019. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with the National Health Institute (INS) and the National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (INVIMA), issued an external joint circular (Circular 041 of December 12, 2019) with recommendations to citizens.

Guidelines and alerts to territorial authorities are also included in the Circular, for intensified surveillance, prevention and addressing poisoning by alcoholic drinks adulterated with methanol in the December season.

Checking the labeling in alcoholic beverages, buying in renowned places and being attentive to symptoms are some of the recommendations to bear in mind.

A total of 12 recommendations are issued to avoid poisoning by tainted alcohol:

• Buy at renowned places or purchase alcoholic beverages at reliable sites. Do not buy spirits on street sales.
• Check the bottle or packaging, verifying that the seals and safety bands have not been tampered with and that the stamps and lid are in good condition.
  
  If the container is made of cardboard with an inner aluminum cover, check that the tabs are well glued together.
• Verify that the labeling contains, among other information, the health registration (a health registration in process is not valid), as well as that the lot is clear, visible and legible. It must not have alterations, overwriting or defective prints. It must also have the name and location of the manufacturer and the alcoholic content.
• Check the label, verify that there are no overlapping, altered or illegible labels on it. If you run your finger over it and it fades, erases, or is easily removed, you must refuse the liquor and report the event to Carrera 13 No. 32-76 Postal Code 110311 Bogotá D.C. PBX: (57-1) 330-5000, Toll-free: 018000-910097 Fax: (57-1) 330-5050 www.minsalud.gov.co to Invima, the Province, District or Municipal Health Offices or competent authorities.
• Check the external characteristics of the package such as the lid, safety band, closure system and the label.
• The internal characteristics must be verified in elements such as suspended particles, sediments, condition of the dispenser or presence of foreign objects.
• Be suspicious if the spirit you are going to buy has a much lower price than the market.
• After consuming the drink, the container, the lid and the dispenser must be destroyed.
• If symptoms such as double vision, headache and/or dizziness occur when ingested, do not self-medicate. The recommendation is to go immediately to the doctor and save the rest of the liquor that was consumed for possible further analysis.
• Remember that the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages to minors is prohibited.
• Notify the competent authorities as soon as possible of any irregular event in relation to these alerts.
• Suspect methanol toxicity when there is poisoning with solvents such as paint thinner or other unknown alcohols.
  
  
  The health registry can be verified on the Invima website and in case of detecting any irregularity, it must be reported on the following link: https://www.invima.gov.co/peticiones-quejas-reclamos-y-sugerencias.
  
  
  For additional information, contact the Ministry of Health Toxicological Information and Advice Line 24/7. The toll-free number is 018000916012 and the landline is +57 (1) 330-5071.