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British government has added an additional eleven new destinations to its official alert list concerning the dangers of toxic alcohol toxicity from contaminated alcoholic drinks.

This expanded travel guidance now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda due to what officials describe as "an international surge in the number of confirmed occurrences" of methanol poisoning.

Just recently, the government had earlier added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the standing list, following a number of notable events like the fatal demise of half a dozen tourists in Laos in 2024.

Tourists are being warned that even minimal doses of toxic alcohol can lead to blindness or fatality within 12–48 hrs.

Exactly what is Methanol and How is it Used?

Methanol is a harmful substance commonly utilized in coolant, car cleaning liquid, and paint thinner. This substance is not intended for human consumption.

While it is naturally produced during the creation of spirits, reputable manufacturers reduce it to low, safe levels for human consumption through the refining procedure.

But in certain nations, it is surreptitiously added into alcoholic drinks to reduce expenses, and since it is tasteless and scentless, it is impossible to detect.

Authorities' Advice for Travellers

Foreign Office official Hamish Falconer emphasized that all travellers should be aware of the symptoms of methanol contamination.

"When you are drinking spirits in foreign countries, choose reputable establishments and refrain from local brews or complimentary drinks," the minister advised.

"If something appears suspicious, like a headache that's far more intense than usual or vision problems – seek medical attention fast."

The full list of nations listed as posing a risk of toxic alcohol contamination presently covers: 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 Regarding Industrial Alcohol Contamination

• Toxic alcohol is a harmful chemical not meant for drinking.
• As little as minimal doses can cause vision loss or fatality.
• Symptoms can involve unusual fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and vision problems.
• Travellers are advised to strictly consume properly packaged drinks from licensed vendors.
• In case you think methanol contamination, contact a doctor immediately.