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The UK Foreign Office has included an additional eleven more nations to its official warning register about the threats of toxic alcohol contamination from tainted alcoholic drinks.

This expanded travel guidance features Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after reports of "a global increase in the number of documented incidents" of methanol contamination.

Just recently, the government had earlier placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing register, in response to a number of serious incidents including the fatal loss of half a dozen visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being advised that even small amounts of methanol can lead to vision loss or death within 12–48 hours.

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

Industrial alcohol is a harmful chemical commonly employed in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint solvent. This substance is not designed for ingestion.

While it is inherently formed during the manufacture of spirits, licensed producers bring it down to minimal, harmless amounts for drinking through the purification method.

But in some countries, it is surreptitiously added into alcoholic drinks to reduce expenses, and since it is tasteless and scentless, it is very difficult to detect.

Official Advice for Travellers

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said that every traveler should recognize the indicators of toxic alcohol toxicity.

"While drinking spirits abroad, stick to trusted places and refrain from local brews or complimentary drinks," the official advised.

"In case something seems unusual, such as a fatigue that's far more intense than usual or blurred eyesight – contact a doctor fast."

The full list of destinations listed as carrying a threat of toxic alcohol poisoning 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 Information Regarding Industrial Alcohol Poisoning

• Methanol is a poisonous substance not intended for human consumption.
• Even minimal doses can result in blindness or fatality.
• Indicators can involve severe hangover, sickness, stomach cramps, vertigo, and sight issues.
• Travellers are urged to exclusively have properly packaged beverages from licensed vendors.
• Should you believe toxic alcohol toxicity, get medical attention immediately.