Mozambique's beer poisoning toll climbs to 69

A total 69 people have died of poisoning after drinking traditional beer in northwesten Mozambique, public radio reported Monday. More than 30 others remain hospitalised after funeral-goers apparently ingested the home-brewed beer known locally as "phombe". It is usually made from millet or sorghum. The woman who brewed the beer and several members of her family are among the dead, making it difficult for investigators to ascertain what could have contaminated the beer. Carla Mosse, director of health for Tete province, said the cause of the poisoning is still unknown.