New threat in Mexico: meth- laced beverages

Health professionals in Arizona are warning those traveling to Mexico to be aware of possibly contaminated 7Up beverages in the Mexicali area.

The contaminated soft drinks caused seven people to become ill and have killed one person, according to the Attorney General of Justice of the state of Baja California. Mexicali is located about 240 miles from Phoenix and 124 miles from San Diego, just south of the California border and Interstate 8.

According to a Banner Health news release, medical toxicologists and physicians are on alert after reports surfaced that methamphetamine was found in 7Up drinks originating in Mexicali.

Baja California’s Health Department officials said health authorities have removed the products from shelves. Chris Barnes, spokesman for Dr Pepper Snapple Group, said no 7Up products in the United States have been contaminated. The company distributes 7Up in the U. S. The Baja attorney general’s office said on its Facebook page that an investigation is underway.

Dr. Daniel Brooks at Banner Health cautioned anyone traveling toMexico.

“It is important to check that the seal for any food and drink consumed is still intact and shows no signs of tampering,” Brooks said.

Some side effects are burning of the esophagus and stomach, vomiting, and a fast or irregular heartbeat, Banner Health said.

In July, the U. S. State Department alerted travelers toMexico about possibly tainted or counterfeit alcohol that could cause sickness and blacking out.