Four of every 10 bottles of alcohol sold in Mexico are adulterated alcohol, meaning diluted with water, extra flavoring, and coloring. According to the Tax Administration Service (SAT), 43% of the alcohol consumed in the country is illegal, which could be worth more than three billion dollars.
From 2013 to date, Mexico has seized 3.3 million liters of adulterated alcohol, a mixture from ethyl alcohol with poor production practices, which usually contain colorings or flavorings and which may cause severe damage to health to cause death.
The last seizure, and the largest to date, was conducted recently in a production of Iztacalco, in the Federal District. 985,000 liters of alcoholic and 30,000 liters of ethyl alcohol in bulk: there more than one million liters of illegal alcohol was found.
According to the authorities, adulterated alcohol is not only found in clandestine sites, but also in entertainment centers, recreation family, hotels, open bars, convenience stores and shopping malls.
So far the current administration, has made 481 Cofepris Health checks on alcohol in nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and manufacturing facilities. In 57 cases the government has closed or suspended operations of businesses.
In July 336,565 liters of illicit liquor in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta were seized. And in February, they confiscated over 825,000 liters of ethyl alcohol in Veracruz and Hidalgo. There have also been operations in Nuevo Leon and in the Bajio.
Irregularities are usually: the use of colors and flavors, poor manufacturing practices and processes in dirty facilities, including rodent feces.
