Foreign office issues methanol warning for eight new countries

The Foreign Office has expanded its methanol poisoning warnings to include eight additional countries as fresh cases emerge. Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia have now been added to the alert list, alongside popular holiday destinations Japan and Mexico.

The deadly poisoning can prove fatal, with officials urging holidaymakers to familiarise themselves with the warning signs and prevention methods whilst travelling overseas. Methanol is an industrial alcohol that gets illegally added to spirit-based beverages and cocktails by unscrupulous operators looking to slash costs. Even tiny quantities can cause permanent harm such as blindness or prove lethal within 48 hours.

More information can be found on the Government's Travel Aware website.

The list of countries with methanol warnings:

• Ecuador
• Kenya
• Japan
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Peru
• Uganda
• Russia
• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Turkey
• Costa Rica
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Laos
• Fiji

The dangerous substance can prove difficult for party-goers to spot as it has no taste or smell, while early warning signs can mirror standard alcohol poisoning. Holiday-makers are advised to stick to sealed beverages from licensed venues, steer clear of homemade spirits, and exercise extra caution with pre-mixed drinks, cocktails and beverages served in communal containers whilst abroad.

Some warning signs of methanol poisoning may develop within 12 to 48 hours after consumption including:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vision issues

The Foreign Office cautioned: "Anyone showing any signs of methanol poisoning should seek urgent medical attention immediately."

Hamish Falconer, the Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, warned: "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 facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice."