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British Foreign Office has added an additional eleven new destinations to its public warning register about the risks of industrial alcohol toxicity from adulterated alcoholic drinks.

This revised advisory covers Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after evidence showing "a global increase in the incidence of documented incidents" of industrial alcohol poisoning.

Only last month, authorities had already added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the current register, following several notable events such as the tragic death of half a dozen visitors in Laos in 2024.

Travelers are being cautions that even tiny quantities of industrial alcohol can lead to blindness or loss of life within 12 to 48 hrs.

Exactly what is Methanol and In what way is it Utilized?

Toxic alcohol is a poisonous industrial alcohol often employed in coolant, car cleaning liquid, and paint solvent. It is not designed for ingestion.

Although it is naturally produced during the production of beverages, commercial firms reduce it to non-dangerous concentrations for drinking through the refining procedure.

But in certain nations, it is illegally mixed into spirits to cut costs, and as it is flavorless and smell-free, it is very difficult to detect.

Government Recommendations for Travellers

Government representative the minister said that all travellers should recognize the symptoms of toxic alcohol toxicity.

"While drinking spirits abroad, stick to reputable establishments and refrain from homemade alcohol or unspecified beverages," Falconer said.

"Should anything seems unusual, such as a headache that's far more intense than normal or blurred eyesight – contact a doctor immediately."

The entire register of destinations noted as posing a risk of industrial alcohol contamination now includes: 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 Information Concerning Methanol Toxicity

• Methanol is a harmful substance not meant for human consumption.
• As little as minimal doses can cause permanent eye damage or death.
• Indicators may include severe hangover, sickness, abdominal pain, dizziness, and blurred eyesight.
• Travelers are advised to exclusively have commercially bottled beverages from reputable sources.
• Should you believe industrial alcohol poisoning, get medical attention right away.