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British Foreign Office has placed an additional eleven further destinations to its official alert list about the threats of methanol toxicity from adulterated alcoholic drinks.

This updated travel guidance now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after reports of "a worldwide rise in the incidence of confirmed occurrences" of toxic alcohol toxicity.

Just recently, the government had already included Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing list, following a number of serious cases such as the fatal loss of 6 tourists in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being cautions that even tiny quantities of methanol can lead to permanent eye damage or loss of life within 12–48 hours.

What is Methanol and How is it Employed?

Toxic alcohol is a toxic chemical commonly used in coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and paint thinner. This chemical is not designed for human consumption.

Although it is inherently formed during the manufacture of spirits, reputable manufacturers lower it to non-dangerous concentrations for drinking through the purification method.

Yet in certain nations, it is surreptitiously added into spirits to cut costs, and as it is tasteless and smell-free, it is extremely challenging to detect.

Official Guidance for Tourists

Government official a senior official stated that every traveler should be aware of the indicators of toxic alcohol poisoning.

"If you're consuming alcohol in foreign countries, choose reputable establishments and steer clear of local brews or complimentary drinks," the official advised.

"Should anything appears suspicious, such as a headache that's way worse than typical or blurred eyesight – get medical help right away."

The full register of countries noted as posing a risk of methanol 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.

Key Details About Industrial Alcohol Contamination

• Methanol is a harmful substance not meant for ingestion.
• Even small amounts can lead to blindness or loss of life.
• Symptoms may include intense headache, sickness, belly ache, lightheadedness, and sight issues.
• Travellers are recommended to only drink properly packaged beverages from licensed vendors.
• Should you believe industrial alcohol poisoning, get medical attention right away.