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Tainted alcohol and travel: What you need to know

Tainted alcohol is not just present in Mexico. It is a global problem- traveler beware (Image: Pixabay)

>In this post: Bootleg or tainted booze not confined to Mexico; tips for drinking abroad; State Dept warning

It’s the scary sort of travel story that sizzles in the summer heat. A young woman from Wisconsin passed out in a five-star hotel pool near Cancun, Mexico (and later, tragically, died) after having a few shots of allegedly tainted tequila. Her brother, who also had shots by the pool, lost consciousness but did not die.

Later, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel posted an investigative story about the incident. Soon after, other travelers who’d visited nearby resorts reported similar experiences of having a few drinks, passing out,  then waking up in their hotel rooms, or worse, in the hospital. They suspect, but cannot prove, that they were served tainted or drugged alcohol.  Iberostar, which runs the resorts where these incidents occurred, told the newspaper that it only purchases, “sealed bottles that satisfy all standards required by the designated regulatory authorities.” The issue remains unresolved.

Based on that brouhaha, the State Department chimed in this week with an update to its alerts and warnings page about travel to Mexico: “There have been allegations that consumption of tainted or substandard alcohol has resulted in illness or blacking out. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill.”

Mexican authorities have since said that the country will work on improving inspections and controls for tainted alcohol at big resorts.

cocktails

Drinking and traveling go together like gin and tonic- but don’t overdo it. (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

While it’s tragic that travelers have been sickened or died at these resorts in Mexico, it’s important to know that tainted food or alcohol are global problems, and not just happening in Mexico. For example, in the Czech Republic 30 people died from drinking tainted vodka in 2012. The problem is so common in the UK that London’s Daily Mirror recently warned New Year’s partiers to be aware of drinks that “smell like nail varnish.” Bootleg booze can even turn up in duty free stores. I’m convinced I was once served tainted or drugged booze in Brazil and luckily had a travel companion along to get me back to our hotel to sleep it off.

And get this: The chief executive of Brown-Forman, one of the world’s largest distillers told the Financial Times, “A third of the world’s alcohol is estimated to come from what we call illicit production. It can be very dangerous to the point of being poisonous.”

Here’s a dose of my own advice that I’ll be following when I travel to Mexico City next month. You should consider it, too!

  • Travelers everywhere should always be alert to the possibility of being served tainted booze. Give your drinks the “sniff test.”
  • Don’t drink alone in unfamiliar surroundings
  • When traveling in another country, don’t overdo it and let your guard down. Avoid shots.
  • Stick to drinking from bottles or cans you can open yourself.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when drinking in public places.
  • At the first signs of nausea, dizziness or drowsiness, stop drinking and let someone know.
  • Don’t leave your food or drink unattended.
  • Have a good travel insurance policy in effect and its emergency number in your wallet.
  • Get out in the world, have fun and be safe this summer.

What do you think about the incident in Cancun? What precautions would you suggest to your fellow travelers? 

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Comments

  1. It is not just the dangers of tainted alcohol. Many of my Japanese friends say only drink soda from cans, not bottles, while traveling in parts of Asia. I’ve heard stories from different reputable sources say that even five-star hotels in Asia are known to pour together unfinished soda bottles and recap them.

  3. What would I do?, you ask….well, for starters, I no longer go to Mexico. Bootleg alcohol would be a secondary reason why not to, the continued growing narco-mayhem is the primary reason. This is by someone who has gone to school in Mexico, has driven the entire length of the country, from Baja California to the Guatemalan boarder and has been to Mexico over two dozen times. I have a deep love and respect for this beautiful country, rich in history, its proud culture, incredible diverse countryside and, of course, its cuisine. But until the situation dramatically improves, I’ll say, “no gracias” to Mexico, there are plenty of other Latin flavored options.

  4. That might be right, but keep in mind that something like 7-8 million Americans visit Mexico each year so it’s all relative. 762 Americans were murdered in Chicago alone last year– would that prevent you from going there on a business trip?

  5. What does bootleg alcohol have to do with a drink being drugged by a server? Sounds like a distraction.

  6. I lived in Guadalajara a while back and loved all those small nearby colonial towns like Guanajuato, Morelia, Lyon, San Miguel. Always felt very safe there. Most of the problem areas are in border states and areas controlled by drug lords– all of which are far from Mexico City.

  8. Thanks for the great tips. I would have never even thought of this.Great advice for anywhere you are in the world. Crazy stuff.

  9. Have to disagree with you Chris. I go to Mexico City on business 3-4 times a year. Very, very dangerous. I am not on vacation when I’m there so maybe the places are different I’m at but as the saying goes “Buyer Beware”. The problem isn’t everyone is a thug. As you say they are great people and I agree 100% but a typical circumstance you would take for granted in any western Country (problems can happen anywhere) can get out of hand quick. Real quick. Oddly enough I have always felt the safest in the small towns in the interior of the country. Typically not tourist destination. Getting to them can be an adventure again.

  10. Always wanted to go there. What part do you recommend for a first time visitor?. And how long does it take time to acclimate to the altitude? (also, be safe when drinking at that altitude!).

  11. I agree. THE most dangerous? If the State Department were listing Mexico above, let’s pick a random totalitarian state — say, North Korea — then someone should be fired….

  13. If you are not involved in the drug trade, you should be fine in Mexico. It’s a country full of nice people tons of history and great food. Mexico City is one of the coolest cities in the western hemisphere. Have you been? 30 million Americans go there every year. It’s the #1 destination for Americans.

  14. Here’s what you need to know. The State department has listed Mexico as the MOST dangerous country in the world. Why would you go there?

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