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The UK Foreign Office has placed eleven new countries to its travel warning list regarding the threats of methanol toxicity from adulterated spirits.

This updated advisory covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after reports of "an international surge in the incidence of documented incidents" of industrial alcohol poisoning.

Just a few weeks ago, authorities had earlier placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the standing list, after multiple serious events including the deadly death of 6 travelers in Laos in 2024.

Tourists are being advised that as little as minimal doses of toxic alcohol can lead to blindness or death within 12–48 hrs.

What is Toxic Alcohol and In what way is it Employed?

Industrial alcohol is a poisonous industrial alcohol often utilized in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint thinner. This chemical is not meant for human consumption.

While it is generated during the manufacture of beverages, commercial firms lower it to minimal, harmless amounts for ingestion through the distillation process.

However in some countries, it is surreptitiously added into spirits to save money, and as it is flavorless and smell-free, it is extremely challenging to detect.

Authorities' Advice for Travellers

Government representative a senior official emphasized that each tourist should know the signs of methanol poisoning.

"If you're drinking spirits in foreign countries, stick to well-known venues and refrain from local brews or complimentary drinks," Falconer advised.

"Should anything appears suspicious, like a hangover that's much more severe than typical or vision problems – contact a doctor fast."

The entire list of destinations noted as presenting a danger of industrial alcohol contamination currently features: 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 Concerning Toxic Alcohol Toxicity

• Methanol is a toxic substance not meant for drinking.
• Even minimal doses can cause permanent eye damage or death.
• Indicators may include severe hangover, vomiting, belly ache, dizziness, and vision problems.
• Travelers are urged to strictly consume commercially bottled drinks from reputable sources.
• If you suspect methanol toxicity, get medical attention right away.