Circulation of "pure methanol" may be banned

The turnover of technical alcohol and liquids containing this substance will be able to be carried out only if a number of its properties change: color, odor or taste. Such amendments to the bill "On state regulation of turnover of methanol and methanol-containing liquids" were introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. On Monday, February 24, the amendments were approved by the government commission for legislative activity, Izvestiya sources in the Cabinet said.

The bill was introduced to the State Duma in April 2024 and passed in the first reading already last June. It was developed to protect the health, rights and legitimate interests of citizens and to ensure the safety of production and turnover of methanol and methanol-containing liquids, Vladimir Gruzdev, chairman of the board of the Russian Bar Association, told the publication.

According to the Russian Ministry of Health, 1,268 people will be poisoned by methanol in 2020 and 1,360 in 2021. In 2022, the total number of fatal incidents amounted to 800 people - this is 9% of all poisonings with alcohol-containing products. One of the most recent high-profile cases was the death of 50 people in June 2023 from drinking Mr. Cider, which contained methanol.

Now, according to Gruzdev, there is no single comprehensive regulation of the turnover of methanol and methanol-containing liquids, so the government is making a number of amendments. He noted that the sale will be carried out only on condition of mandatory denaturation, that is, a change in color, taste or smell.

"The requirements for such denaturation and the procedure for its implementation shall be established by the Government of the Russian Federation. In addition, the procedure for exercising control over the circulation of methanol and methanol-containing liquids is established," the expert added.

Read more in the exclusive material "Izvestia":

Alcoholic cider: circulation of pure methanol is planned to be banned