Carnival: how to recognize counterfeit and unregistered drinks
As Carnival festivities commence in Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has issued guidance on how to identify safe alcoholic beverages and avoid counterfeit products.
With the onset of Carnival celebrations across Brazil, there has been a notable increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In response to this surge, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) has provided essential guidelines to help consumers make informed choices and protect their health when purchasing drinks. These precautions are particularly important during festive periods when the risk of encountering counterfeit products can rise.
The Ministry stresses that safe beverages are those that possess an official registration, have clearly identifiable origins, and contain comprehensive information on the label. Consumers are advised to check for specific indicators before buying, such as the registration number from Mapa, which should be prominently displayed on the label. Additionally, the manufacturer's name and contact details must be included to ensure accountability, and labels must feature mandatory information in Portuguese to aid understanding.
Importantly, the guidelines also cover imported products, which are required to have a back label in Portuguese, along with proper identification. This ensures that consumers are not misled by foreign products that may not meet Brazilian safety standards. Overall, this initiative by the Ministry not only aims to safeguard public health but also to promote responsible consumption during one of Brazil's largest and most anticipated cultural events.