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The UK Foreign Office has added eleven new countries to its official advisory roster about the threats of industrial alcohol poisoning from adulterated spirits.

This revised warning now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda following reports of "a worldwide rise in the number of confirmed occurrences" of industrial alcohol toxicity.

Just last month, the government had previously added Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing register, in response to a number of high-profile incidents such as the fatal loss of 6 visitors in Laos in 2024.

Tourists are being advised that even small amounts of industrial alcohol can cause vision loss or loss of life within 12 to 48 hours.

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

Industrial alcohol is a poisonous industrial alcohol often employed in antifreeze, car cleaning liquid, and thinner. This substance is not meant for human consumption.

While it is inherently formed during the production of spirits, licensed producers bring it down to minimal, harmless amounts for ingestion through the purification method.

But in some countries, it is illegally mixed into beverages to reduce expenses, and since it is tasteless and smell-free, it is very difficult to detect.

Official Recommendations for Tourists

Authorities representative a senior official emphasized that every traveler should know the indicators of methanol toxicity.

"If you're having drinks in foreign countries, opt for reputable establishments and steer clear of homemade alcohol or unspecified beverages," the minister advised.

"If something appears suspicious, such as a headache that's much more severe than usual or sight issues – contact a doctor immediately."

The complete roster of nations identified as presenting a danger of industrial alcohol poisoning 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.

Essential Information Regarding Toxic Alcohol Contamination

• Industrial alcohol is a poisonous substance not intended for human consumption.
• Even tiny quantities can result in blindness or death.
• Indicators might consist of unusual fatigue, nausea, belly ache, dizziness, and blurred eyesight.
• Travellers are urged to exclusively have properly packaged beverages from reputable sources.
• Should you believe industrial alcohol contamination, seek medical help right away.