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The UK government has added an additional eleven more destinations to its travel warning register about the dangers of methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic drinks.

The revised warning covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after reports of "an international surge in the frequency of reported cases" of toxic alcohol contamination.

Only recently, authorities had already placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing list, following several high-profile events like the deadly death of 6 visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travelers are being advised that even minimal doses of toxic alcohol can lead to vision loss or fatality within 12–48 hrs.

What is Toxic Alcohol and How is it Employed?

Toxic alcohol is a harmful substance typically employed in antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid, and paint solvent. It is not meant for human consumption.

While it is naturally produced during the manufacture of beverages, licensed producers lower it to minimal, harmless amounts for human consumption through the refining procedure.

Yet in certain nations, it is clandestinely blended into beverages to cut costs, and as it is tasteless and odourless, it is impossible to detect.

Government Guidance for Travellers

Authorities representative Hamish Falconer stated that every traveler should recognize the symptoms of industrial alcohol poisoning.

"While drinking spirits in foreign countries, opt for reputable establishments and avoid homemade alcohol or unspecified beverages," the minister said.

"In case something seems unusual, like a fatigue that's far more intense than normal or vision problems – contact a doctor right away."

The complete roster of countries identified as presenting a danger 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 Concerning Methanol Poisoning

• Toxic alcohol is a toxic chemical not meant for human consumption.
• Even minimal doses can lead to blindness or loss of life.
• Symptoms can involve intense headache, vomiting, stomach cramps, dizziness, and blurred eyesight.
• Tourists are advised to only drink commercially bottled drinks from licensed vendors.
• In case you think toxic alcohol toxicity, get medical attention without delay.