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British Foreign Office has placed 11 further countries to its travel alert register about the threats of toxic alcohol toxicity from tainted spirits.

This expanded advisory covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after what officials describe as "a worldwide rise in the incidence of documented incidents" of toxic alcohol contamination.

Only recently, officials had already added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing list, after several high-profile incidents such as the tragic loss of six visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travellers are being advised that as little as tiny quantities of toxic alcohol can result in permanent eye damage or loss of life within twelve to forty-eight hrs.

What is Industrial Alcohol and In what way is it Used?

Methanol is a toxic substance commonly utilized in antifreeze, car cleaning liquid, and thinner. This substance is not meant for drinking.

Although it is naturally produced during the manufacture of alcoholic drinks, commercial firms lower it to low, safe levels for drinking through the purification method.

Yet in certain nations, it is illegally mixed into beverages to reduce expenses, and since it is tasteless and smell-free, it is extremely challenging to notice.

Official Advice for Tourists

Government representative Hamish Falconer emphasized that all travellers should know the indicators of methanol contamination.

"When you are consuming alcohol overseas, opt for well-known venues and avoid local brews or unspecified beverages," the official said.

"If something seems unusual, like a fatigue that's way worse than normal or vision problems – contact a doctor fast."

The entire list of nations listed as posing a risk of toxic alcohol 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.

Important Details Concerning Industrial Alcohol Contamination

• Industrial alcohol is a toxic compound not intended for ingestion.
• Even tiny quantities can result in permanent eye damage or death.
• Signs can involve intense headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and vision problems.
• Travellers are urged to only drink sealed drinks from licensed vendors.
• Should you believe toxic alcohol toxicity, contact a doctor without delay.