🔗 Share this article

The UK government has placed 11 new destinations to its public advisory register concerning the threats of toxic alcohol toxicity from adulterated alcoholic drinks.

This revised advisory covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda due to reports of "a worldwide rise in the frequency of confirmed occurrences" of toxic alcohol contamination.

Just last month, the government had earlier placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the current list, in response to multiple high-profile cases including the deadly demise of six visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being warned that even small amounts of methanol can cause vision loss or death within 12 to 48 hrs.

What is Methanol and In what way is it Employed?

Industrial alcohol is a toxic substance commonly utilized in coolant, car cleaning liquid, and paint thinner. This substance is not meant for drinking.

Although it is generated during the production of beverages, commercial firms reduce it to low, safe levels for ingestion through the refining procedure.

However in various destinations, it is clandestinely blended into spirits to reduce expenses, and since it is tasteless and odourless, it is impossible to notice.

Official Recommendations for Tourists

Government official a senior official stated that all travellers should be aware of the indicators of methanol toxicity.

"When you are consuming alcohol in foreign countries, choose well-known venues and avoid unlicensed drinks or unspecified beverages," the minister warned.

"In case something feels off, for example a hangover that's far more intense than usual or blurred eyesight – contact a doctor immediately."

The entire list of countries identified as posing a risk of toxic alcohol poisoning now includes: 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

• Industrial alcohol is a harmful compound not intended for human consumption.
• As little as small amounts can result in vision loss or fatality.
• Indicators may include unusual fatigue, sickness, belly ache, vertigo, and blurred eyesight.
• Tourists are advised to strictly consume commercially bottled drinks from licensed vendors.
• Should you believe methanol toxicity, get medical attention without delay.