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The UK Foreign Office has added an additional eleven more destinations to its travel alert register concerning the dangers of toxic alcohol toxicity from contaminated beverages.

The expanded travel guidance covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda due to evidence showing "a global increase in the frequency of reported cases" of methanol toxicity.

Just a few weeks ago, the government had previously placed Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the standing list, after several serious incidents like the deadly death of 6 travelers in Laos in 2024.

Tourists are being advised that even tiny quantities of toxic alcohol can cause permanent eye damage or fatality within 12 to 48 hrs.

What is Methanol and How is it Utilized?

Toxic alcohol is a toxic chemical often employed in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint solvent. It is not meant for human consumption.

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

However in various destinations, it is clandestinely blended into alcoholic drinks to save money, and as it is tasteless and smell-free, it is impossible to notice.

Authorities' Recommendations for Travellers

Authorities representative the minister stated that every traveler should recognize the signs of industrial alcohol contamination.

"When you are having drinks in foreign countries, choose well-known venues and avoid unlicensed drinks or unspecified beverages," Falconer said.

"Should anything seems unusual, for example a hangover that's much more severe than typical or vision problems – get medical help right away."

The complete roster of destinations listed as carrying a threat of methanol 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.

Essential Information Regarding Methanol Toxicity

• Methanol is a toxic compound not intended for drinking.
• As little as tiny quantities can lead to permanent eye damage or loss of life.
• Symptoms might consist of severe hangover, nausea, abdominal pain, vertigo, and vision problems.
• Tourists are advised to only drink sealed drinks from licensed vendors.
• In case you think toxic alcohol toxicity, get medical attention without delay.