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British government has added 11 new destinations to its official warning roster concerning the dangers of methanol contamination from contaminated alcoholic drinks.

This expanded advisory covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after reports of "a worldwide rise in the incidence of documented incidents" of industrial alcohol toxicity.

Just last month, the government had earlier added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing list, after multiple notable incidents including the deadly death of half a dozen visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being warned that as little as small amounts of industrial alcohol can cause blindness or loss of life within 12 to 48 hrs.

What is Toxic Alcohol and In what way is it Employed?

Industrial alcohol is a poisonous substance commonly utilized in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint solvent. This chemical is not intended for drinking.

While it is generated during the production of beverages, licensed producers reduce it to non-dangerous concentrations for ingestion through the distillation process.

Yet in some countries, it is surreptitiously added into beverages to cut costs, and because it is flavorless and odourless, it is impossible to identify.

Official Recommendations for Travelers

Foreign Office minister a senior official emphasized that each tourist should know the symptoms of toxic alcohol contamination.

"While consuming alcohol abroad, choose reputable establishments and steer clear of homemade alcohol or complimentary drinks," the official said.

"If something appears suspicious, for example a hangover that's much more severe than typical or sight issues – contact a doctor immediately."

The complete list of destinations noted as posing a risk of methanol poisoning currently features: 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 Toxicity

• Toxic alcohol is a toxic chemical not designed for ingestion.
• Even small amounts can lead to vision loss or fatality.
• Symptoms might consist of severe hangover, sickness, stomach cramps, dizziness, and vision problems.
• Travelers are advised to exclusively have properly packaged beverages from licensed vendors.
• If you suspect industrial alcohol contamination, contact a doctor without delay.