Tragic Methanol Poisoning Claims 23 Lives in Istanbul, Hospitals Overwhelmed as Death Toll Rises

The city of Istanbul has reported the tragic deaths of twenty-three individuals within a span of 48 hours due to the consumption of contaminated alcohol, as announced by authorities on Wednesday. Furthermore, at least 43 others have been hospitalized, with 32 of them currently receiving intensive care, according to Turkish officials. Since the beginning of the new year, the total number of fatalities attributed to bootlegged alcohol has reached 34. The primary culprit behind these incidents is believed to be alcohol contaminated with methanol.

The Dangers of Methanol in Alcohol

Methanol is often added to alcoholic beverages to enhance their potency. Its illegal introduction into products can be attributed to its lower cost compared to ethanol, making it a common ingredient in illicitly produced alcohol, particularly in southern Turkey. The consumption of methanol-laced alcohol can lead to severe health consequences, including blindness, liver damage, and even death.

The Rise of Adulterated Alcohol in Turkey

Poisonings resulting from contaminated alcohol have become increasingly prevalent in Turkey. This surge is largely a consequence of the rise in private alcohol production, which has escalated in response to the government's hiking of taxes on alcoholic beverages. In a troubling incident in 2024, 110 individuals fell ill after consuming tainted alcohol in Istanbul, leading to the tragic loss of 48 lives, as reported by government officials.

The Impact on Local Alcohol Consumption

One of the most commonly counterfeited alcoholic beverages in Turkey is Raki, the nation's anise-flavored liquor. The price of Raki has skyrocketed to approximately 1,300 lira ($37.20) per liter in supermarkets. In a bid to cope with the rising living costs, Turkey's government has also made an adjustment to the minimum wage, raising it to 22,104 lira ($600) on January 1.

Government Regulations and Restrictions

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has held the office since 2014 and previously served as prime minister, has played a pivotal role in enacting changes to Turkey's alcohol legislation. Since 2013, the government has implemented a series of restrictions, including the prohibition of advertisements promoting alcohol, the ban on alcoholic brands sponsoring events, and the suppression of scenes depicting alcohol use in media.