The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent warning to British travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning, which can initially present symptoms similar to a severe hangover. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the FCDO stated: "Methanol poisoning can be hard to spot. Early symptoms can feel like a bad hangover. Learn the warning signs and know how to reduce the risk."
What Is Methanol and How Does It End Up in Drinks?
Methanol is an industrial alcohol commonly found in products such as antifreeze, fuel, and paint thinners. According to the FCDO, in some regions, methanol is illegally mixed with alcoholic beverages, including spirit-based drinks and cocktails, leading to serious illness or death. The government campaign linked in the alert explains: "Alcohol contaminated with methanol and targeted spiking incidents can lead to serious illness and death."
Dangerous Thresholds and Early Symptoms
Medical experts indicate that as little as 30ml of methanol—roughly equivalent to a single shot—can be fatal for an adult, while 10ml can cause permanent blindness. Early symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, loss of balance, drowsiness, and poor judgment. These signs may be mistaken for a hangover, but the condition can rapidly worsen.
Delayed Onset of Severe Symptoms
Twelve to 48 hours after consumption, more severe symptoms may appear: vertigo, hyperventilation, abdominal pain, breathlessness, coma, convulsions, and blurred vision or blindness. The FCDO emphasizes that vision issues are a distinctive red flag, particularly blurry vision, trouble looking at bright lights, complete blindness, "snowfield vision" (seeing snowy static like an old TV), or tunnel vision.
Urgent Action Required
The FCDO advises that if you or someone you are travelling with experiences these symptoms, seek urgent medical attention immediately. "Seeking urgent medical attention could save your life," the guidance concludes. The warning underscores the importance of being vigilant about drink sources abroad and recognizing the early signs of methanol poisoning.
