The Foreign Office has issued a stark warning for anyone drinking alcohol abroad this summer, emphasising that methanol contamination can be deadly even in tiny amounts. In a social media post on X, the FCDO stated: "Methanol can be toxic even in small amounts. As little as a single shot (30ml) can be fatal. If a hangover feels worse than it should, don’t wait for it to 'get better'. Seek urgent medical help."
What Is Methanol and Why Is It Dangerous?
Methanol is an industrial alcohol produced by distilling wood, commonly found in products like antifreeze, fuel, and paint thinners. In some regions, illegal producers mix methanol with alcoholic drinks such as spirits and cocktails to cut costs. Medical experts warn that as little as 30ml (roughly a shot) can kill an adult, while 10ml can cause permanent blindness.
Signs of Methanol Poisoning
The FCDO shared a video featuring families who lost loved ones to methanol poisoning abroad. Early symptoms include vomiting, poor judgement, loss of balance, and drowsiness. Within 12 to 48 hours, more severe signs appear: abdominal pain, vertigo, hyperventilation, breathlessness, blurred vision or blindness, coma, and convulsions. Vision problems are a distinctive red flag—blurry sight, difficulty with bright lights, “snowfield vision” (seeing static like an old TV), or tunnel vision. The Foreign Office advises: "Spotting methanol poisoning can be difficult because at first it can affect you in the same ways as 'real' alcohol. Some early symptoms – like vomiting – can seem like a bad hangover. But travellers should watch out for a hangover that feels worse than it should. Urgent medical attention could save your life or prevent serious complications."
How to Reduce Risks
While no method completely eliminates risk, travellers can take precautions: avoid free cocktails or shots, be cautious with spirit-based drinks like those on the rocks, shots, cocktails, buckets, or jugs. Instead, choose branded beers, ciders, wines, and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans, and only buy drinks from licensed shops, bars, and restaurants.
The FCDO post added: "Methanol poisoning is caused by contaminated alcohol, and distinctive symptoms, like problems with your vision, may not appear for hours. Know the signs before you travel."
