NAFDAC Reports 48 Deaths from Methanol in Ondo Herbal Drinks

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported that 48 people have died and five others have been rendered totally blind after consuming locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions contaminated with high concentrations of methanol in Ondo State. The affected areas include New Town, Odole, Okele, Orita Odigbo, Araromi-Obu, and Oniparaga, with the highest cases in Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu.

NAFDAC's director-general, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that 90 individuals were admitted to hospitals, with 31 treated as outpatients and six remaining hospitalized. Symptoms included headache, weakness, visual disturbances, and altered consciousness.

NAFDAC confirmed that 11 of 15 tested samples contained Cannabis indica and high methanol levels. The agency has arrested 15 individuals connected to the production and distribution of these beverages and is conducting ongoing surveillance and risk-control measures in the affected communities.