The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expanded its travel advisory list, warning citizens about the severe risk of methanol poisoning from illicit or counterfeit alcoholic beverages in several countries, including Nigeria.
New Countries on the FCDO Alert List
Nigeria and seven other nations have been newly added to the FCDO's official guidance following reports of incidents involving British nationals. These countries are:
*Nigeria
*Japan*Peru
*Kenya
This update significantly broadens the scope of the warning, which previously covered popular tourist destinations such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji. The decision to update the guidance follows tragic, high-profile events, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos in a prior year due to tainted drinks.
The Danger of Methanol Poisoning
The FCDO is urging travellers to understand the risk associated with methanol, an industrial chemical (found in products like antifreeze) that is highly toxic and not safe for human consumption.
Unscrupulous manufacturers, often operating illegally, add methanol to alcoholic drinks to increase volume or potency, while some vendors and street sellers use it to cut costs in cocktails or spirit-based beverages.
The primary danger is that initial symptoms of methanol poisoning—such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion—can easily be mistaken for simple drunkenness or a bad hangover. However, as the poisoning progresses, it can quickly lead to severe conditions like blurry vision and, ultimately, death.
FCDO Safety Advice for Travellers
To mitigate the risk of consuming tainted alcohol, the Foreign Office advises British nationals abroad to follow these key precautions:
Purchase Sealed Drinks: Only buy alcoholic beverages that are properly sealed and packaged from reputable, licensed establishments.
Avoid Suspicious Drinks: Steer clear of homemade alcohol, as well as pre-mixed drinks, spirits, cocktails, or any beverages served in large containers like buckets or jugs.
Know the Symptoms: Remain vigilant for warning signs of methanol exposure, especially blurry vision and severe confusion.
