🔗 Share this article

British Foreign Office has included 11 more nations to its public warning register about the threats of methanol toxicity from tainted spirits.

This updated travel guidance now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda due to evidence showing "a global increase in the incidence of reported cases" of toxic alcohol contamination.

Only last month, authorities had previously included Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the current list, after multiple high-profile incidents including the fatal demise of 6 tourists in Laos in 2024.

Travelers are being advised that even small amounts of methanol can cause permanent eye damage or loss of life within 12–48 hours.

Exactly what is Industrial Alcohol and How is it Employed?

Industrial alcohol is a harmful chemical commonly utilized in antifreeze, car cleaning liquid, and paint thinner. This substance is not designed for human consumption.

Although it is inherently formed during the manufacture of beverages, reputable manufacturers bring it down to minimal, harmless amounts for human consumption through the purification method.

However in various destinations, it is surreptitiously added into alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and because it is flavorless and scentless, it is extremely challenging to notice.

Authorities' Recommendations for Tourists

Foreign Office minister a senior official emphasized that each tourist should be aware of the signs of methanol contamination.

"If you're having drinks overseas, choose trusted places and steer clear of homemade alcohol or unspecified beverages," the minister warned.

"Should anything feels off, like a hangover that's way worse than normal or sight issues – contact a doctor right away."

The complete roster of nations listed as posing a risk of industrial alcohol toxicity presently covers: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Essential Details About Methanol Poisoning

• Methanol is a toxic compound not meant for human consumption.
• Even tiny quantities can result in blindness or fatality.
• Symptoms may include severe hangover, vomiting, belly ache, lightheadedness, and vision problems.
• Travellers are recommended to only drink sealed drinks from licensed vendors.
• In case you think industrial alcohol poisoning, get medical attention without delay.