Question and Answers on methanol in spirits

Methanol (methyl alcohol, CH₃ OH) is a liquid and the simplest chemical compound in the group of alcohols. It is produced in large quantities as a so-called industrial alcohol. This alcohol is used as a solvent, as an additive to high-performance fuels for racing and aircraft piston engines, in fuel cells instead of hydrogen gas and also as a pure biofuel in various countries. Methanol is also the raw or starting material for numerous other chemical compounds such as formaldehyde, acetic acid and various polymer plastics.

Methanol is toxic even in small quantities. The liquid damages the nerves in particular because the metabolites formaldehyde and formic acid have a high neurotoxic (nerve-damaging) potential. The optic nerve is particularly affected by methanol poisoning. Even a single intake of 4 to 5 grams of methanol can cause blindness in particularly sensitive people. Deaths due to respiratory paralysis, cerebral oedema, circulatory collapse and uraemia (urine in the blood) have also been reported following the intake of larger quantities.

Methanol is formed as an unwanted by-product during the fermentation of sugar in fruit or starchy crops to produce drinkable alcohol (ethanol) in the mash. The methanol produced can be removed from high-proof alcoholic beverages using suitable techniques and distillation processes. Anyone who produces alcoholic beverages themselves without expertise risks high levels of methanol in the end product.

The Spirits Regulation (EU) No. 2019/787 sets out maximum permitted levels of methanol for individual product groups in Annex I. For vodka, for example, a maximum content of 10 grams of methanol per hectolitre of pure alcohol is specified, while a maximum content of 1,500 grams per hectolitre of pure alcohol is specified for spirits made from fruit pomace. A vodka with 37.5% alcohol by volume may therefore contain a maximum concentration of 0.0375 grams of methanol per litre of end product.

Methanol can be absorbed into the body both via the respiratory tract as well as through the consumption of spirits. The first symptoms of intoxication can occur after a few hours, but on average after 24 hours.

The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. Visual disturbances, unconsciousness and muscle cramps can also occur. In extreme cases, methanol poisoning can lead to circulatory arrest and death.

If methanol is accidentally ingested, it is advisable to contact a poison centre (GIZ). Make sure you have the product or label ready so that the GIZ can trace the ingredients | components. In this way, important information can be collected, e.g. the concentration of the ingredient | component, which can help the hospital or clinic to take the necessary treatment measures.

You can find more information on this in the External Link:BfR poisoning app. It is possible to call one of the nine responsible German GIZ directly from the app.