The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has cautioned Nigeria and seven other countries over rising cases of methanol poisoning linked to counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

According to a BBC report, the updated advisory reflects growing concern over the spread of toxic, methanol-laced beverages that have caused multiple deaths worldwide. The warning follows several high-profile incidents, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year.

Previously, the FCDO’s methanol advisory covered Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, and Fiji.

It now includes Nigeria, Kenya, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, and Uganda.

Why is methanol dangerous?

According to the advisory, Methanol is an industrial compound found in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluids. While not inherently toxic, it becomes poisonous when ingested, as the body converts it into harmful substances such as formic acid and formaldehyde.

“The harm from methanol poisoning happens hours later as the body attempts to break it down in the liver. “These toxic by-products can damage nerves and organs, leading to blindness, coma, or death.” Health experts warn that fake alcoholic drinks, often made illicitly to cut costs, pose a serious global health risk. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) estimates that thousands die from methanol poisoning each year, with fatality rates between 20% and 40%.

The FCDO urged governments and consumers to strengthen monitoring systems, raise public awareness, and promote safer alcohol consumption, especially in countries where informal and unregulated alcohol markets thrive like Nigeria.

Symptoms to watch for?

The advisory explained that early symptoms of methanol poisoning can mimic ordinary alcohol intoxication but may later include blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. Severe cases can lead to brain damage, respiratory failure, or death within hours.