by Michèle Shah
It s been 21 years since the methanol scandal brought shame to Italy in 1986, casting a cloud over its wine industry. The scandal over wine contaminated with methanol, or wood alcohol, an additive sometimes placed in cheap wine to increase its
alcoholic content, has been linked to 34 victims. Some died, others merely lost their sight. The Italian government has put together an indemnity package for the victims, which will soon be discussed in parliament, said Roberto Ferlicca president of the association Vittime del Metanolo
In 1992 the Italian government arrested and charged 11 people in connection with the scandal, of which 4 people have been charged with manslaughter. The accused were ordered to pay one billion lira to each of the 34 victims or directly to their families. An amount, which went unpaid, as the case remained unsolved in its entirety.
