Local Interest
Foreigner in Hanoi hospitalized for suspected methanol poisoning
This has been a major issue for many years and although not as widespread now as it was, the practise is continuing. Along with the downturn of Expats in Vietnam comes the increased competition between bars and eateries to hold their client base.
Unfortunately, the mind set has long been that many bars tend to put up prices and reduce fixed overheads in any manner they can. Short term thinking though when it comes to methanol poisoning, is that worth the 100,000 ₫ saving between a real bottle and a fake?
Recently, a foreign man was been admitted to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi after drinking alcohol from two local eateries, with doctors citing methanol poisoning as the primary suspect.
The 35-year-old victim, whose nationality is still unclear, has been living on Phao Dai Lang Street in the Vietnamese capital.
Is it real?
Per his recollection of accounts, he consumed alcohol bought from two local diners on Phao Dai Lang Street before experiencing blurred vision the following day.
Believing it was simply an eye problem, he visited the National Institute of Ophthalmology in Hanoi for an exam. Suspecting methanol poising, of which blurred vision is a symptom, doctors quickly ordered a transfer to the Poison Control Centre at Bach Mai Hospital.
Methanol-tainted alcohol sold at small eateries in Vietnam has been found responsible for a spate of alcohol poisonings in the Southeast Asian country, shining light on the alarming dangers of the toxic substance.
Vietnamese consumers faced critical health risks by inadvertently consuming methanol through improperly home-brewed alcohol, methanol-laced fake alcohol and legally produced alcohol adulterated with methanol.— Photo baoxaydung. com
The occurrence of these instances not just at local eateries but in many venues, it is usual not intentional, the owner of the establishment may genuinely believe they are buying authentic alcohol at a discount price. If you experience symptoms of Methanol poisoning get it checked out quickly, the alternative can be permanent.
In February, this year 7 people died after attending a funeral service in a local village and consuming homemade rice wine, a further 37 were hospitalised. In a related incident, one week later, as many as 81 people were hospitalized for food poisoning in Hoang Su Phi district, Vietnam ' s northern Ha Giang province after having meals at a wedding party.
According to the MoH, from 2011 to 2016, as many as 1,000 cases of food poisoning were recorded, affecting 30,000 people, and resulting in 164 deaths. On average, 170 food poisoning involving 5,000 people and 30 deaths take place every year.
34 The MAG Vung Tau