Overview
- The FCDO has added methanol-poisoning guidance for Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda and Russia after recorded incidents involving British travellers.
- Methanol-tainted alcoholic drinks have led to rising deaths and serious illness, with the toxic alcohol undetectable by taste or smell and capable of causing blindness or death within 12–48 hours.
- A refreshed Travel Aware page and a new “Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning” advertising campaign provide symptom guidance and practical prevention advice.
- Travellers are urged to buy sealed drinks from licensed venues, avoid homemade alcohol, and be wary of pre-mixed spirits, cocktails, and drinks served in buckets or jugs.
- The update follows engagement with Parliamentarians, industry and affected families, and builds on existing warnings for Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Fiji.