The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has added Nigeria to its list of countries where British nationals are advised to exercise caution regarding the risk of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic drinks.
The new update is part of a larger update to the FCDO’s guidance, which now covers eight additional nations where reports of methanol poisoning have been reported, reports The Guardian.
The eight countries added to the advisory list are Nigeria, Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Russia.
These countries join previously listed countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
According to the FCDO, methanol is an industrial alcohol that can be found in antifreeze and paint thinners. In some countries overseas, it is illegally mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails to cut costs.
Even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12-48 hours of consumption. The toxic substance is tasteless and odourless, making it impossible for travellers to detect.
The FCDO urged British nationals to purchase sealed drinks from licensed establishments, avoid homemade alcohol, and be particularly cautious of pre-mixed spirits, cocktails, and drinks served in buckets or jugs.
It also advised travellers to watch out for warning signs of methanol poisoning, which include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion.
According to FCDO, characteristic symptoms of methanol poisoning, like vision problems, can appear 12 to 48 hours after ingestion, even though in the early stages it can mimic alcohol poisoning. Any person exhibiting any symptoms of methanol poisoning should contact a doctor right away.
Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, Hamish Falconer, said, “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late.
“That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.
“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others from facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”
