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British government has added eleven further destinations to its travel alert roster regarding the threats of industrial alcohol contamination from contaminated alcoholic drinks.

This expanded warning covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after evidence showing "a global increase in the frequency of documented incidents" of toxic alcohol toxicity.

Just last month, officials had already added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing register, following multiple high-profile events including the fatal demise of six tourists in Laos in 2024.

Travelers are being warned that as little as small amounts of toxic alcohol can cause blindness or loss of life within 12–48 hours.

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

Industrial alcohol is a toxic chemical commonly utilized in coolant, car cleaning liquid, and paint thinner. This chemical is not meant for ingestion.

Although it is naturally produced during the creation of beverages, commercial firms bring it down to non-dangerous concentrations for ingestion through the refining procedure.

However in some countries, it is surreptitiously added into spirits to cut costs, and as it is flavorless and odourless, it is very difficult to identify.

Government Advice for Travelers

Foreign Office official a senior official stated that all travellers should recognize the symptoms of toxic alcohol poisoning.

"If you're drinking spirits abroad, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or complimentary drinks," the minister warned.

"In case something seems unusual, for example a fatigue that's much more severe than typical or sight issues – contact a doctor fast."

The entire register of nations listed as posing a risk of methanol poisoning 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.

Key Information Concerning Methanol Poisoning

• Industrial alcohol is a toxic chemical not designed for drinking.
• As little as minimal doses can cause vision loss or death.
• Symptoms can involve intense headache, vomiting, stomach cramps, vertigo, and vision problems.
• Tourists are recommended to only drink commercially bottled drinks from licensed vendors.
• In case you think methanol poisoning, contact a doctor without delay.