Eight countries added to UK's fake alcohol warning list

The UK Foreign Office has expanded its list of countries where visitors could be at risk of exposure to hazardous counterfeit or illicit alcoholic drinks, doubling its length.

Eight additions – Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda – have been included in a list that already covers Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.

The decision comes shortly after deaths were reported in at least three deaths linked to tainted alcoholic drinks in Brazil, as well as other incidents this year alone in Türkiye and Colombia.

The expansion follows an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by alcoholic drinks tainted with methanol in popular overseas travel destinations, and has been accompanied by a public awareness campaign to highlight the risks of drinks tainted with methanol – even small amounts of which can cause blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours of consumption.

British nationals are being advised by the Foreign Office to watch out for signs of methanol poisoning, such as blurry vision and confusion.

"Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late," said Hamish Falconer. Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis.

"That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention," he added. "I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday."

The advice includes to avoid consuming streetside or homemade alcohol, to purchase sealed or bottled drinks from licensed establishments, and to be wary of consuming pre-mixed, spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails, shots or drinks served in buckets or jugs.