The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has linked the deaths and illnesses recorded in parts of Ondo State to high concentrations of methanol found in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal drinks.
The agency said laboratory analysis of samples collected from affected communities confirmed the presence of high levels of methanol, a highly toxic substance that can cause severe poisoning, blindness, organ failure and death.
The outbreak, which was first reported in early September, has affected communities in Odigbo and Irele Local Government Areas, with Odigbo Town and Araromi-Obu among the worst-hit areas.
According to NAFDAC, 182 cases and 48 deaths had been recorded as of September 17. Of those affected, 90 people were admitted to hospitals and later discharged, six remained hospitalised and 31 were treated as outpatients.
The agency said five victims became totally blind while two others suffered partial blindness. Reported symptoms included headaches, general weakness and body pain, visual disturbances, breathing difficulties and altered consciousness.
NAFDAC said it analysed 15 unlabelled samples of the suspected alcoholic and herbal concoctions. Gas chromatography confirmed high concentrations of methanol in the samples, while 11 of the 15 samples also tested positive for Cannabis indica.
The agency said toxicity tests conducted on laboratory mice resulted in approximately 50 per cent mortality in six of the 15 samples, indicating significant toxic potential.
NAFDAC stressed that the laboratory findings are still preliminary, with additional testing being conducted to determine the precise concentration of methanol and identify any other potentially harmful substances.
The agency has warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed, unregistered and locally prepared alcoholic or herbal concoctions whose ingredients and safety cannot be established.
As part of the investigation, 15 people have been arrested over the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages. Surveillance, treatment and other risk-control measures are continuing in the affected communities.
The outbreak has renewed concerns over the health risks associated with unregulated alcoholic and herbal preparations, particularly products manufactured and distributed outside established safety and quality-control systems.
NAFDAC said the confirmed presence of methanol, combined with the high number of deaths and serious illnesses, requires immediate regulatory and public-health intervention.
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