Mexico: Travel warning over tainted alcohol July 26

Event

The United States Department of State updated its travel advisory for Mexico on Wednesday, July 26, to include a warning regarding the presence of tainted alcohol sold in the country. Reports say up to 43 percent of all alcohol sold in Mexico is illegal and produced in irregular facilities, including that which is sold in resorts. Bootleg liquor often contains either unsafe levels of grain alcohol or methanol, a cheaper but deadly alternative.

Context

The warning comes months after a 20-year-old American from Wisconsin died days after drinking a small quantity of alcohol at a resort in Playa del Carmen. Numerous other cases were reported of tourists being hospitalized in similar circumstances.

Advice

Travelers should only purchase alcohol from reputable establishments, and seek medical attention immediately should any adverse reaction occur.