Methamphetamines were found in the soft drink, 7Up, in Baja California ‘several days ago’ sickening at least eight and killing one – Jose Maria Soto Gastelum, 37.
An investigation is underway to determine how the drinks were contaminated according to a Banner Health press release.
The health department of Baja California has issued a statement confirming that 7Up products in the Mexican state, where the contaminated soft drinks had originally been reported, have been pulled from stores as a precaution, according to Fox News.
The manufacturers have also been notified of the issue, and more than 77,000 individual containers of 7Up have been secured at a Mexican plant belonging to PepsiCo.
At least eight were sickened and one died from tainted 7Up laced with Methamphetamines in Baja California
At least five people who drank the tainted soda have improved and been released from the hospital of as last week.
Health officials in Arizona have also issued a warning to those traveling to Mexico, advising them to be aware of any possible symptoms.
‘It is important to check that the seal for any food and drink consumed is still intact and show no signs of tampering,’ Dr. Daniel Brooks, the medical director of Banner Poison and Drug Information Center, said.
‘If you notice any difference in color, taste or smell, throw it out.’
He continued to say anyone who experiences such symptoms should promptly contact poison control.
Health officials in Arizona have issued a travel warning to Mexico, advising those going to be aware of any possible symptoms
But American consumers have nothing to worry about, according to the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group who manufactures 7Up in the US.
‘None of the 7Up products sold in the US are affected by the issue being reported in Mexico,’ spokesman Chris Barnes told AZ Central.
‘Dr. Pepper Snapple owns and licenses the 7Up brand only in the US and its territories. We do not market, sell or distribute the brand internationally.’
News of the meth-laced 7Up comes just a few months after the US State Department warned travelers to Mexico about reports of tainted alcohol at certain Mexican resort destinations.
An investigation is underway to determine how the drinks were contaminated according to a Banner Health press release
That warning came after a 20-year-old student from Wisconsin was found dead after consuming alcohol on a family trip to Playa Del Carmen in July.
Toxicology reports showed that Abbey Conner had a blood alcohol level of 0.25 when she was admitted to a local hospital.
A lawyer for the family now believes that tainted alcohol caused the tragedy, a claim the resort vehemently denied.