Mexico's health regulator COFEPRIS issued a health alert Monday night after adulterated Gran Centenario tequila caused five deaths [1].
The alert follows a cluster of poisonings in Salamanca, Guanajuato, highlighting the danger of falsified alcohol products entering the consumer market. These incidents underscore the critical role of regulatory oversight in preventing lethal contamination of popular beverage brands.
According to the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk, the contaminated product is identified as batch L 061 24 [3]. The agency said the alert concerns 950 ml bottles of the spirit [4].
Health officials said the adulterated tequila led to five deaths [1] and left 28 other people intoxicated and poisoned [2]. The poisonings occurred in the city of Salamanca, where the falsified bottles were distributed.
COFEPRIS said the bottles were found to be adulterated with unknown harmful ingredients. The agency did not specify the exact chemical composition of the contaminants but confirmed that the product was falsified to mimic the authentic Gran Centenario brand.
Authorities are urging consumers to check their bottles for the specific batch number and to avoid consuming any product from that lot. The agency said it is continuing to investigate the source of the adulterated liquor to prevent further casualties.
“adulterated Gran Centenario tequila caused five deaths”
The emergence of lethal, falsified alcohol batches suggests a sophisticated counterfeit operation capable of mimicking established brands. Because the contamination resulted in both mass intoxication and death, this incident likely triggers stricter supply chain audits for distilled spirits in Mexico to ensure batch traceability and prevent the distribution of toxic adulterants.
