7 dead in Jordan after drinking methanol-tainted alcohol from licensed factory

Dubai: Jordanian authorities have shut down a licensed alcohol production facility after identifying it as the source of methanol-laced liquor that led to the deaths of seven people in Zarqa Governorate, northeast of Amman.

In a statement released Sunday, Jordan’s Public Security Directorate (PSD) said an investigation team confirmed that the victims had consumed alcohol tainted with methanol, a toxic and potentially lethal substance often used industrially but occasionally found in improperly produced alcoholic beverages.

The investigation was launched after emergency services received reports of multiple alcohol-related poisonings.

Forensic teams were deployed to the affected sites and collected samples for testing. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of , prompting an urgent inspection of local liquor stores in Zarqa.

Authorities discovered multiple contaminated products under various brand names, all traced back to the same production facility.

Following the findings, law enforcement raided the factory, collecting internal samples from production and bottling equipment. One tank tested positive for methanol residue, confirming contamination occurred at the source.

The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), working in tandem with PSD, ordered the immediate closure of the facility and the seizure of its inventory.

Individuals responsible for the plant’s operations have been arrested, and legal proceedings are underway.

The PSD spokesperson noted that efforts are ongoing to recall all products linked to the factory from the market, whether distributed directly to retailers or through intermediaries.

As of now, seven people have died from the poisoning, and one individual remains in critical condition.