Methanol warnings

Methanol poisoning warnings have been extended by the Foreign Office to cover eight additional countries where incidents have been recorded with Britons abroad.

The action follows an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by alcoholic drinks tainted with methanol in popular overseas destinations.

Countries with newly added warnings about methanol poisoning include Japan and Mexico. The other countries are Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda. 

The expanded list builds on existing guidance for countries such as Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned: “Even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12-48 hours of consumption.  “The toxic substance is tasteless and odourless, making it impossible for travellers to detect.”

British travellers are advised to purchase sealed drinks from licensed establishments, avoid homemade alcohol and be “particularly cautious” of pre-mixed spirits, cocktails and drinks served in buckets or jugs. Travellers are also advised to watch out for warning signs of methanol poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion.