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The UK Foreign Office has added eleven more destinations to its official alert roster about the threats of toxic alcohol poisoning from adulterated beverages.

This revised warning now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda following what officials describe as "an international surge in the number of confirmed occurrences" of industrial alcohol toxicity.

Only recently, authorities had already included Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing register, after a number of notable incidents such as the deadly death of six tourists in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being advised that even small amounts of industrial alcohol can lead to blindness or death within twelve to forty-eight hrs.

What is Toxic Alcohol and How is it Utilized?

Industrial alcohol is a poisonous substance typically utilized in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and thinner. This chemical is not designed for drinking.

While it is naturally produced during the creation of beverages, reputable manufacturers lower it to non-dangerous concentrations for human consumption through the purification method.

But in some countries, it is clandestinely blended into beverages to reduce expenses, and because it is flavorless and odourless, it is very difficult to detect.

Government Guidance for Travellers

Foreign Office representative Hamish Falconer stated that all travellers should be aware of the indicators of toxic alcohol contamination.

"When you are having drinks in foreign countries, choose well-known venues and avoid unlicensed drinks or free shots," the official said.

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

The entire roster of nations identified as posing a risk of methanol toxicity 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 Regarding Toxic Alcohol Contamination

• Industrial alcohol is a toxic substance not meant for ingestion.
• Even tiny quantities can cause permanent eye damage or death.
• Indicators may include unusual fatigue, sickness, stomach cramps, dizziness, and vision problems.
• Travelers are advised to only drink properly packaged alcohol from reputable sources.
• Should you believe methanol contamination, contact a doctor without delay.