By Ben Kerrigan-
The UK Foreign Office has expanded its list of danger countries were people are at serious risk due to methanol poisonings. A further 11 countries, cautioning travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic beverages.
The revised travel advice now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after “a global increase in the number of reported cases” of methanol poisoning.
AD: Capeesh Restaurant
The complete list of countries identified as potential methanol poisoning risks includes: 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.
The update follows engagement with Parliamentarians, industry bodies, and those affected by methanol poisoning overseas.
Methanol is an industrial alcohol that can be found in antifreeze and paint thinners. In some countries overseas it is illegally mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails to cut costs. 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.
AD: Oysterian Sea Food Restaurant And Bar
Minimal quantities of methanol can result in blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours.Methanol is a poisonous industrial alcohol found in antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid and paint thinner. It is not intended for human consumption.
Whilst it occurs naturally during alcoholic beverage production, commercial manufacturers reduce it to minimal, safe concentrations for human consumption through distillation. per kWh.
However, in certain countries, it is unlawfully added to alcoholic drinks to reduce expenses, and because it has no taste or smell, it cannot be identified.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott argued that methanol poisoning is “a huge danger but barely any of us know about it”. The other victims of suspected methanol poisoning included two Australians, two Danish women and an American.
The Foreign Office is conducting a campaign to provide guidance on minimising risks and identifying symptoms of methanol poisoning.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer stated that all travellers should recognise the warning signs of methanol poisoning. “If you’re drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots,” advised Falconer.
“If something feels off, like a hangover that’s way worse than normal or vision problems – get medical help fast.”
The complete list of countries identified as potential methanol poisoning risks includes: 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.
AD: Heritage And Restaurant Lounge Bar