The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica issued an alert this week regarding the selling of tainted alcohol, after 19 people, most of them homeless, passed away after an apparent intoxication, the deaths took place between the months of June and July.

The alcohol they drank apparently contained methanol. 14 of the victims were men and 5 women, between the ages of 32 and 72. The Ministry of Health clarified this is preliminary information and the investigation continues.

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued the following safety alert: “The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is aware of the reports regarding recent deaths in Costa Rica associated with the consumption of tainted alcohol. At this time, we are not aware of any U.S. citizen illness or death due to consuming adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica. The deaths have reportedly occurred throughout the country including seven cases in San Jose, four cases in Cartago, one case in Heredia, three cases in the Limón area and two cases in Guanacaste. Out of an abundance of caution, the Government of Costa Rica has issued a national alert and confiscated 30,000 bottles of alcohol from six brands: Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Star Welsh, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov.

The Embassy strongly recommends all persons avoid consuming alcohol from these brands. The Government of Costa Rica is investigating the situation and the Embassy remains in contact Costa Rica authorities regarding the ongoing investigation.