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British Foreign Office has included eleven new destinations to its travel advisory list concerning the risks of toxic alcohol contamination from contaminated alcoholic drinks.

The 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 documented incidents" of toxic alcohol toxicity.

Just last month, authorities had previously included Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda to the existing list, following multiple notable events like the deadly loss of six travelers in Laos in 2024.

Travelers are being cautions that even tiny quantities of methanol can cause blindness or fatality within 12–48 hrs.

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

Toxic alcohol is a poisonous chemical often used in antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and paint thinner. It is not meant for ingestion.

While it is generated during the manufacture of alcoholic drinks, licensed producers lower it to minimal, harmless amounts for ingestion through the distillation process.

However in some countries, it is clandestinely blended into alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and as it is tasteless and smell-free, it is very difficult to detect.

Official Advice for Tourists

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said that all travellers should recognize the symptoms of industrial alcohol contamination.

"While having drinks overseas, stick to reputable establishments and refrain from local brews or unspecified beverages," the minister warned.

"In case something seems unusual, for example a hangover that's way worse than normal or vision problems – contact a doctor fast."

The entire roster of countries noted as presenting a danger of industrial alcohol toxicity presently covers: 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.

Key Details About Toxic Alcohol Toxicity

• Industrial alcohol is a harmful chemical not intended for human consumption.
• Even small amounts can cause permanent eye damage or death.
• Symptoms may include intense headache, sickness, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, and sight issues.
• Travellers are recommended to only drink sealed beverages from reputable sources.
• In case you think toxic alcohol toxicity, contact a doctor right away.