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- Title
The methanol content of illicit alcoholic beverages seized in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv: public health impact and policy implications.
- Authors
Shapira, Barak; Schaefer, Efi; Poperno, Alina; Hess, Zipora; Rosca, Paola; Berkovitz, Ronny
- Abstract
Aim: To identify the presence and concentration of methanol in illegal alcoholic beverages sold commercially in a low socio-economic area of Tel-Aviv. Additionally, we aim to assess if findings represent an existing risk for public health in the area.Subjects and methods: Ministry of Health Division of Enforcement and Inspection personnel carried out a series of inspections in grocery stores and kiosks in two adjacent neighborhoods of low socio-economic status: Neve Sha'anan and Hatikvah. Twenty-six samples of illicit drinks were identified, seized, and then analyzed for the presence and concentration of methanol.Results: Alcohol products seized were spirits labeled as vodka, brandy, arak and "scotch flavor" drinks, which contained an average of 36.608% volume of ethanol. Methanol was detected in 15 samples. Methanol concentration levels varied considerably, from 12 to 4534 g/hl. Data of hospital emergency department visits revealed that only nine cases of methanol toxicity were reported for years 2014-2017, and none of them by area hospitals.Conclusion: We identified the sale of alcoholic beverages with high methanol content in the disadvantaged areas of Tel-Aviv, though hospitalization data does not reveal a high prevalence of cases involving methanol toxicity. This may be related to misreporting or underreporting by area emergency rooms. Policy implications include the need to inform local shopkeepers and shop-owners on labeling regulations, and make information and health warnings accessible to the foreign-born population residing in the area. A larger sample is needed to determine the extent of the sale of methanol-containing illicit alcoholic beverages.
- Subjects
ISRAEL; LABELING laws; POVERTY areas; ALCOHOLIC beverages; ANALYTICAL chemistry; DRUGS of abuse; ETHANOL; METHANOL; PRODUCT recall; PUBLIC health; SALES personnel; DESCRIPTIVE statistics
- Publication
Journal of Public Health (09431853), 2019, Vol 27, Issue 1, p37
- ISSN
0943-1853
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10389-018-0922-8