UK ISSUES METHANOL POISONING ALERT, ADDS NIGERIA TO TRAVEL WARNING LIST
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The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has added Nigeria to its list of countries where travellers are urged to be cautious due to the risk of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic drinks.
Nigeria joins several other countries recently included in the updated advisory, such as Japan, Mexico, Ecuador, Kenya, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. The warning adds to an existing list that already covered destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
Methanol, an industrial alcohol often found in products like antifreeze and paint thinner, is sometimes illegally mixed into alcoholic beverages to reduce costs. It is colourless and odourless, making it almost impossible for consumers to detect. Even small amounts can cause blindness, organ failure, or death within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion.
Early signs of methanol poisoning—such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion—can easily be mistaken for regular alcohol intoxication. By the time more serious symptoms like vision loss appear, medical intervention may come too late.
Travellers are being advised to buy only sealed drinks from reputable outlets, avoid homemade or pre-mixed cocktails, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as vomiting, confusion, or blurred vision.
Hamish Falconer, who leads the FCDO’s consular and crisis management efforts, warned that methanol poisoning “can kill and is often difficult to detect.” He urged travellers to check official travel advice before visiting any of the affected countries.
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