The United Kingdom has added Nigeria and seven other countries to its travel advisory list over the risk of methanol poisoning from fake or contaminated alcoholic drinks.
According to the updated Foreign Office guidance, the affected countries include Nigeria, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Uganda, and Kenya. The warning follows incidents involving British nationals abroad.
Previously, the advisory covered Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji—following several methanol-related deaths, including six tourists in Laos last year.
Methanol, an industrial chemical used in antifreeze and cleaning products, is highly toxic and can cause blurred vision, confusion, severe illness, or death when consumed.
The Foreign Office cautioned travellers to buy only sealed drinks from licensed premises and avoid homemade alcohol, street cocktails, or beverages served in buckets or jugs.
It also urged vigilance for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and disorientation, which may indicate methanol poisoning.
