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The UK authorities has placed eleven new countries to its travel warning list regarding the dangers of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic drinks.

The expanded warning now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda following reports of "a worldwide rise in the number of documented incidents" of methanol toxicity.

Only a few weeks ago, officials had previously added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing register, after several high-profile cases including the fatal loss of half a dozen travelers in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being cautions that even tiny quantities of industrial alcohol can lead to blindness or loss of life within 12 to 48 hours.

What is Methanol and In what way is it Used?

Toxic alcohol is a poisonous industrial alcohol commonly employed in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint solvent. It is not meant for ingestion.

While it is naturally produced during the production of alcoholic drinks, licensed producers reduce it to minimal, harmless amounts for ingestion through the distillation process.

However in various destinations, it is illegally mixed into beverages to save money, and since it is tasteless and odourless, it is very difficult to identify.

Official Recommendations for Travellers

Government representative Hamish Falconer emphasized that each tourist should be aware of the symptoms of toxic alcohol contamination.

"If you're having drinks in foreign countries, choose well-known venues and steer clear of unlicensed drinks or complimentary drinks," Falconer warned.

"Should anything feels off, such as a headache that's way worse than typical or vision problems – contact a doctor fast."

The full register of countries identified as posing a risk of methanol toxicity 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.

Important Information Regarding Toxic Alcohol Toxicity

• Toxic alcohol is a harmful compound not designed for drinking.
• As little as tiny quantities can result in vision loss or death.
• Indicators might consist of unusual fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and blurred eyesight.
• Travelers are recommended to exclusively have commercially bottled alcohol from reputable sources.
• If you suspect industrial alcohol toxicity, seek medical help immediately.