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British Foreign Office has added 11 new nations to its official alert roster concerning the threats of methanol toxicity from contaminated spirits.

This updated advisory covers 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 toxicity.

Only last month, authorities had previously added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the standing roster, in response to multiple high-profile incidents such as the deadly demise of 6 visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being warned that as little as tiny quantities of methanol can cause permanent eye damage or loss of life within 12 to 48 hrs.

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

Toxic alcohol is a harmful substance often employed in coolant, car cleaning liquid, and paint solvent. It is not meant for human consumption.

While it is generated during the production of alcoholic drinks, licensed producers lower it to non-dangerous concentrations for human consumption through the purification method.

However in various destinations, it is clandestinely blended into alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and as it is tasteless and odourless, it is impossible to notice.

Authorities' Guidance for Travelers

Government minister Hamish Falconer emphasized that each tourist should be aware of the symptoms of methanol toxicity.

"While having drinks in foreign countries, choose trusted places and steer clear of homemade alcohol or complimentary drinks," the minister warned.

"If something appears suspicious, such as a fatigue that's much more severe than usual or blurred eyesight – contact a doctor right away."

The full register of destinations listed as posing a risk of toxic alcohol toxicity now includes: 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 Concerning Methanol Contamination

• Methanol is a toxic chemical not intended for human consumption.
• As little as tiny quantities can lead to vision loss or loss of life.
• Indicators can involve severe hangover, nausea, belly ache, vertigo, and blurred eyesight.
• Tourists are advised to exclusively have sealed beverages from reputable sources.
• In case you think toxic alcohol toxicity, get medical attention right away.