The UK Foreign Office has expanded its travel warning on the risks of methanol poisoning in tainted alcoholic drinks, adding 11 more countries to its advisory list.
The update follows what officials describe as a global increase in reported methanol poisoning cases.
Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda have now been included in the guidance.
They join Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda, which were added last month after several high-profile incidents, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos in 2024.
Travellers are being cautioned that ingesting even small quantities of methanol can lead to blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours.
Methanol, an industrial alcohol used in products such as antifreeze and paint thinners, is toxic and not meant for consumption.
Although trace amounts occur naturally during alcohol production, licensed manufacturers reduce them to safe levels through distillation.
However, in some countries illegal producers mix methanol into drinks to cut costs, making it impossible to detect due to its lack of taste and smell.
The Foreign Office has launched a campaign advising travellers on how to reduce risks and spot early symptoms. Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer urged holidaymakers to remain cautious. “If you’re drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots,” he said.
“If something feels off – like an unusually severe hangover or vision problems – seek medical help immediately.”
Countries currently flagged for methanol risk include Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda and Vietnam.
