Experts warn: How to identify counterfeit alcohol?

As cases of poisoning and deaths due to counterfeit alcohol have been increasing across Turkey in recent days, warnings from experts continue to arrive. Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü highlighted the dangers of counterfeit alcohol and stated that citizens should be more cautious, especially ahead of New Year's Eve.

'IT CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED BY TASTE, THE PRICE SHOULD RAISE SUSPICION'

Stating that it is impossible to distinguish counterfeit alcohol from the real thing, Özlü said, “It is not possible to understand whether a drink is counterfeit while you are drinking it. Its taste, smell, or color does not show any difference. However, a cheap price should make you uneasy. Drinks not purchased from reliable sources can lead to serious health problems.”

RISK OF PERMANENT BLINDNESS AND DEATH 

Expressing that counterfeit alcohol can lead to fatal results when it contains methanol, Özlü said, “Drinks produced at home or those mixed with methanol to reduce costs can cause permanent blindness, kidney failure, and death. We frequently encounter such cases in Turkey and around the world. We are facing very serious and severe clinical pictures,” he said.

Touching upon the symptoms of counterfeit alcohol poisoning, Özlü noted that these symptoms are generally not understood immediately after alcohol consumption:

“Effects such as headache, abdominal pain, and a feeling of intoxication may be seen. However, because these are perceived as being linked to normal alcohol consumption, it is difficult for the person or those around them to notice. Initial symptoms include balance and speech disorders, and a sensation as if there is a snowfall effect in the eyes. In advanced stages, hallucinations, kidney failure, and effects leading to death can occur.”

WARNING BEFORE NEW YEAR'S EVE 

Drawing attention to the increase in counterfeit alcohol cases, especially before New Year's Eve, Özlü stated, “We can encounter such poisoning incidents even in well-known venues. I would like to remind you once again that one should stay away from all kinds of alcohol unless it is purchased from a safe source.”

News Source: 12punto