Government conducts preventive inspection and curbs the sale of adulterated alcoholic beverages
In total, 15 establishments were inspected, with a notice of violation issued by Procon for labeling in disagreement with Anvisa regulations
The government of Pará, through the Secretary of Justice (Seju), Civil Police (PC), and Secretary of Public Health (Sespa), in a joint action with the Municipal Health Secretary of Belém (Sesma), conducted a preventive inspection on Wednesday (8) in Belém to inhibit the sale of adulterated alcoholic beverages or those without proven origin. The measure aims to prevent occurrences similar to those verified in other states, where there have been reports of methanol poisoning after the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The inspection was conducted by officials from the Consumer Protection and Defense Directorate (Procon Pará), linked to Seju; from the Consumer Police Station of the Civil Police; from the 1st Regional Health Center, of Sespa; and from the Health Surveillance Department of Sesma. In total, more than 15 establishments were inspected, with a notice of violation issued by Procon for the sale of beverages with labeling in disagreement with the rules of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).
During the action, Procon Pará checked items such as the validity of the merchandise; proven origin by invoice and preservation of label and seal. Public agents also engaged in dialogue with suppliers about the importance of acquiring products with reliable origins to prevent the sale of adulterated beverages.
“While the Health Surveillance is the competent body to oversee sanitary regulations, Procon Pará observes whether the establishment complies with consumer legislation, that is, the Consumer Protection Code, to confirm that products are sold safely to the customer,” explains Procon director Gareza Moraes.
Prevention - The Sespa team checks items such as the color of the liquid, whether there is a registration with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the packaging of the products. The Consumer Police Station, in turn, assesses whether there are occurrences of crimes arising from consumer relations.
“If there is any indication of a crime against the consumer, such as the sale of alcoholic beverages unfit for consumption, the Civil Police will investigate and, if necessary, take the product for examination. But, before that, we primarily work on prevention and raising awareness among suppliers,” states delegate Cauê Monteiro from the Consumer Police Station.
There are no cases of methanol poisoning in the State
Methanol is a substance found in fuels, solvents, and is highly toxic to health, potentially causing neurological, visual damage, and even death. According to Sespa, there are currently no reports of methanol poisoning in the State.
If the customer notices that they have purchased adulterated beverages, they should immediately report it to the authorities of the Health Surveillance and Consumer Police. Information on reporting counterfeit products can be found on the Procon website and the Civil Police website.
