Whisky JB And Patis 45: DEADLY!

The Ministry of Trade and Industry on Monday warned against the consumption of two types of alcoholic beverages which, it said, have led to the death of 19 people in La Cote d'Ivoire.

A statement issues in Accra said information reaching the ministry indicates tat the government of Cote d'Ivoire has banned the sale of the two drinks - Patis 45 and Whisky JB.

"Tests carried out by the Ivorian State Laboratory revealed a higher percentage content of lethal methanol chemical in both drinks," the statement said.

The statement said the ministry was drawing attention to the potential harm that the consumption of the drinks is likely to cause to the public.

Meanwhile, it said, the Customs, Excise and Preventive Service, the Ghana Standards Board and the Food and Drugs Board have been alerted to take remedial measures to protect the interest of the public to prevent a possible flooding of the market with the products that are cheap on the Ivorian market.