Full list of countries on methanol poisoning warning list from UK Foreign Office

The UK Foreign Office’s methanol poisoning warning list has had eight new additions.

Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda are included in the updated edition of the warning list – meaning there are increased risks of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks in these countries.

Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, Hamish Falconer said:
‘Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late.

‘That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.

‘I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.’

What is methanol poisoning?

Even in small amounts, methanol is toxic as it’s not made for human consumption – it is an industrial alcohol made from distilling wood.

Methanol is found in many products, including antifreeze, fuel and paint thinners.

In some foreign countries, methanol products are sometimes illegally mixed with ‘real’ alcohol. In bars and street sellers, this is done to cut costs.

What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?

Symptoms of methanol poisoning hit harder and faster than regular alcohol, but it can still be difficult to identify – especially if you are having a good holiday night out.

Early signs include: vomiting, poor judgment, loss of balance and drowsiness.

Within 12 to 48 hours after drinking, symptoms will include: abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision and/or blindness, coma, and convulsions. If these signs appear, you must seek urgent medical attention.

Vision issues are a red flag when it comes to methanol poisoning. It can cause blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights and, in some cases, complete blindness.

Urgent medical attention could save your life or prevent serious complications.

23-year-old Calum MacDonald went blind after he fell victim to methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos.

When he joined campaigners meeting members of the travel industry and MPs in parliament he said: ‘I think it’s important that people know, obviously, because it’s quite a simple bit of information you can get that can really save you a lot of pain.

‘I certainly think if I’d been aware of the risks, I wouldn’t be here today without my vision.’

How to reduce the risk of methanol poisoning

Completely removing the risk when drinking alcohol abroad is not possible, but there are steps you can take to help reduce the chance of becoming a victim.

• Avoid homemade or street-side alcohol
• Stick to licensed places such as liquor stores, bars, clubs, restaurants and hotels
• Always check your drinks are sealed and fully intact
• Be cautious of unusually cheap or free drinks – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!