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Tainted Alcohol Kills 16, Sickens 16 More in Mexico

VOA News

   Mexican newsagencies saythe Ministry of Health confirmed 32 people in
   the state ofJalisco werepoisoned recently and half of themdied
   afterdrinking a name-brand canealcohol.

   Authorities suspectthe 96-proofbrand of ElChorritowas taintedwith high
   levels of methanol during the production process.

   Authorities were alerted to the first victims on Saturday in Mazamitla
   andTamazula.

   A 66-year-old womandiedand another woman was hospitalized. The 30 other
   victims are men in their 20s to early 80s.

   The state prosecutor's office says it will launch an investigation into
   the poisonings, including a reviewof ElChorrito'sparent company, Grupo
   Sáenz.

   Last year in Costa Rica, at least 20 people died from drinking
   methanol-laced alcohol.

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