Don't let them fool you. This is how you can identify "fake" beer.

Purchasing beer at low prices or from unauthorized sources can pose a serious health risk. In Mexico, cases of tainted beverages have recently been reported, raising concerns about the sale of counterfeit products, especially when offered under attractive promotions.

One of the most common methods used by those who distribute these fake drinks is lure buyers with excessive discounts that often seem too good to be true.

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The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), through its University Gazette, has issued a series of recommendations to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud. Among the advice issued by the institution are:

• Only purchase alcoholic beverages from established establishments that provide proof of purchase or an invoice.
• Check that the container matches the brand and type indicated on the label.
• Make sure the lid is completely sealed and no liquid leaks from it.
• Carefully review both the label and the product's marketing information.

Official standards for regulating labeling and packaging

The Official Gazette of the Federation contains a specific regulation governing alcoholic beverages in the country. This legislation establishes, among other things, that:

• Labels must be firmly attached and remain legible until the time of consumption under normal conditions.
• The information on the label must be clear, truthful and verifiable.
• Each bottle or container must include a mark or code that identifies the batch of origin, thus allowing for traceability.

Additionally, the regulations state that beverages must be packaged under strict sanitary conditions, prohibiting the use of certain materials. The only permitted containers are:

• Glass or PET bottles.
• Aluminum cans.
• Laminated cardboard packaging.
• Stainless steel barrels.

The use of flexible containers or any other material that does not meet hygiene requirements is prohibited.

Consequences of consuming counterfeit beverages

The National Commission Against Addictions (CONADIC) has classified the consumption of adulterated beverages as a "serious public health problem." The effects on those who consume them can vary, but the most common are:

• Severe headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain in the abdominal area.
• Sleepiness.
• Feeling dizzy or vertigo.
• Double or blurred vision.
• Photosensitivity (discomfort in the presence of light).
• Altered perception of colors.
• Difficulty coordinating movements.
• Respiratory problems.
• Seizures.

A recent case has brought the issue back to the forefront. Journalist Carlos Jiménez shared a video on social media showing a man opening beer bottles that, instead of containing beer, were filled with soapy water. According to the complaint, the victim allegedly paid more than 7,000 pesos for 19 cartons of these counterfeit beers.

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