Eight countries added to Foreign Office warning list

Eight countries have been added to the UK Foreign Office list warning of the risks of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or tainted alcoholic beverages.

Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda have been included in the updated travel guide following incidents involving Britons in these countries.

The advice previously covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji, and follows a series of high-profile incidents including the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year.

Travelers are advised to be alert for symptoms of methanol poisoning, such as blurred vision and confusion, which can lead to serious illness and death.

Methanol is an industrial chemical found in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. It is not intended for human consumption and is highly toxic.

But there have also been cases where unscrupulous backyard brewers have added methanol to make drinks go further, and some bars and street vendors have mixed it with spirits and cocktails to cut costs.

The State Department has launched a new advertising campaign and updated its travel advice pages to include: Information on recognizing symptoms and reducing the risks of methanol poisoning.

British nationals traveling abroad are advised to purchase sealed drinks from licensed establishments, avoiding home-brewed and pre-mixed spirits, cocktails and drinks served in buckets or jugs.

Travelers are advised to be alert for warning signs of poisoning, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion. Experts say methanol poisoning in the early stages can resemble alcohol poisoning, but obvious symptoms, such as vision problems, can develop within 12-48 hours after consumption.

People with symptoms of methanol poisoning should seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Last month campaigners and families of some Britons killed or injured abroad by methanol poisoning He met with representatives of the travel industry and MPs in parliament.

Amanda Dennis is representing the family of Orpington lawyer Simone White, 28, who was one of six backpackers who died from methanol poisoning in Laos and is among those calling for greater awareness.

“All these young people died needlessly and this could have been prevented very easily if there had been more awareness, more information and if it had been taught in schools,” he said.

Calum Macdonald, 23, from Sunbury-on-Thames, was also blinded during the same incident and said: “It’s important for people to know clearly because it’s pretty simple information you can get that can really save you a lot of pain.

“I definitely think if I had been aware of the risks, if I hadn’t had the vision, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Hamish Falconer, Secretary of State for Consular Affairs and Crisis, said: “Methanol poisoning can be fatal. It can be difficult to detect when you have been drinking and early symptoms reflect ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time passengers realize the danger it may be too late.”

He added: “No family should have to endure the suffering of campaigners’ families. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”