The UK Foreign Office has expanded its travel guidance to warn Britons about the risk of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or contaminated alcoholic drinks in eight additional countries.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda have now been added to the advisory, following recent incidents involving British travellers. The warning already covered Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
The update comes after a string of high-profile cases, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year.
Officials caution that methanol poisoning can cause nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, blindness and, in severe cases, death. Symptoms can mimic regular alcohol intoxication, but vision problems often appear 12–48 hours after consumption.
Methanol an industrial chemical found in products such as antifreeze is sometimes illegally mixed into bootleg or low-quality spirits to boost profit margins. Some bars and unlicensed street vendors are also reported to dilute drinks with the toxic substance.
The Foreign Office has launched a new awareness campaign and is urging travellers to buy only sealed drinks from licensed venues and to avoid homemade spirits, pre-mixed cocktails and drinks served in jugs or buckets. Anyone experiencing suspected symptoms is advised to seek urgent medical treatment.
Campaigners and families of previous victims, including Briton Calum Macdonald who was left blind after being poisoned in Laos have welcomed the update.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said methanol poisoning can kill and stressed that increased awareness could save lives.
