The UK Foreign Office has added 11 more countries to its list, warning of the risks of methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic drinks.
The updated travel guidance includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda following a “global increase in reported cases” of methanol poisoning.
Last monthEcuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were added to the existing list after a number of high-profile incidents, including death of six tourists in Laos in 2024.
Travelers are warned that even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours.
Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol used in antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and paint thinners. It is not intended for human consumption.
Although it is naturally produced in the production of alcoholic beverages, commercial firms reduce it to low levels that are safe for human consumption through the process of distillation.
But in some countries it is illegally added to alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and because it is tasteless and odorless, it is undetectable.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is campaigning Provide advice on reducing risks and recognizing symptoms of methanol poisoning.
Foreign Secretary Hamish Falconer said all travelers should be aware of the signs of methanol poisoning.
“If you drink alcohol abroad, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or freebies,” Falconer said.
“If something is wrong, such as a hangover that is much worse than usual or vision problems, seek medical attention immediately.”
Full list of countries that pose a risk for methanol poisoning: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda and Vietnam.
