According to media, there have been reports of about 80 cases of methanol poisoning (including 34 deaths) due to counterfeit/adulterated alcohol in Istanbul since 13 January 2025. It is possible that not all cases are being detected and the full extent is unknown. Methanol poisoning usually manifests itself within 12 to 24 hours of ingestion with neurological (e.g. headache, altered consciousness), gastrointestinal (e.g. nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain) and ophthalmological (e.g. blurred vision, photophobia) symptoms. Complications include seizures, loss of vision, kidney failure, respiratory arrest, coma and death. Counterfeit alcohol is widespread in Turkey due to the rising cost of alcoholic beverages.