The NMA-NAFDAC Liaison Committee has confirmed that dangerously high levels of methanol found in a locally produced alcoholic concoction popularly known as “monkey tail” were responsible for the recent mass poisoning and deaths recorded in parts of Ondo State.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Azim Adekunle Ashimi, disclosed this in an update on Tuesday, citing laboratory findings by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
According to the committee, laboratory analysis of samples collected from Odigbo, Irele and surrounding local government areas detected high concentrations of methanol as well as cannabis indica.
The committee said 182 people were affected by the poisoning, with 48 deaths recorded. Five survivors were reportedly left permanently blind, while two others suffered partial loss of vision.
Explaining the danger posed by the substance, Ashimi said methanol is an industrial solvent that is not meant for human consumption. When ingested, he explained, the body converts it into toxic compounds, including formic acid, which can severely damage the optic nerve and retinal cells.
Such poisoning can result in irreversible blindness, severe metabolic acidosis, multiple organ failure and, in severe cases, death.
According to the committee, affected persons presented with symptoms including severe headache, abdominal pain, general weakness, altered consciousness, difficulty breathing and blurred or “snowfield” vision after consuming the contaminated drink.
Healthcare professionals in Ondo and neighbouring states have consequently been advised to maintain a high level of suspicion when treating patients who develop sudden visual impairment or unexplained metabolic acidosis after consuming locally produced alcoholic drinks or herbal mixtures.
The committee also urged medical personnel to ensure prompt resuscitation and airway management, correction of acidosis, administration of appropriate antidotes and urgent haemodialysis where necessary. Suspected cases should also be reported immediately to health authorities and NAFDAC.
While acknowledging the arrest of 15 suspects in connection with the incident, the committee called for a wider crackdown on informal distilleries, illegal herbal-mixture producers and distribution networks involved in the sale of potentially dangerous products.
It further called for nationwide public sensitisation against the consumption of unlabelled and unregistered alcoholic beverages, as well as tighter controls on the methanol supply chain to prevent the industrial chemical from being diverted into beverage production.
