A sunset cocktail on the beach has long been the symbol of a carefree holiday — but in 2025, that same drink could be deadly. Increasingly, popular tourist hotspots are reporting cases of smuggled alcohol laced with methanol, according to Daily Mail.
The UK’s Foreign Office warns that the number of countries reporting methanol poisoning incidents has doubled in recent months.
Methanol – The “Invisible Killer” in a Glass
Methanol is an industrial alcohol produced through wood distillation and used in fuel, antifreeze, and paint thinners.
It is colourless and slightly smells of alcohol, often tricking its victims.
Even a single shot of counterfeit vodka may contain a lethal dose. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, unconsciousness, and in severe cases – blindness or death.
Illegal producers often use cheap ingredients and skip purification processes, turning every bottle into a potential time bomb.
Not Just a “Third World” Problem
The crisis is spreading far beyond developing regions. Countries such as Japan, Mexico, Kenya, Peru, Turkey, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Fiji are now affected, as well as Czechia, Estonia, and Norway in Europe.
In São Paulo, Brazil, three people died and 225 were hospitalised after drinking fake alcohol in recent weeks.
In November 2024, a British woman was among six people killed in Vang Vieng, Laos, and in another case, a 23-year-old man went blind after consuming whisky containing methanol.
The inclusion of Japan on the list is especially alarming — illegal alcohol appearing on Tokyo’s streets shows the danger has reached developed markets too.
Experts: “Alcohol Can Kill — or Cure”
Toxicology expert Professor Alistair Hay of the University of Leeds told Daily Mail that ethanol, or “real” alcohol, can actually help treat methanol poisoning because it slows its breakdown in the liver.
“If the poisoning isn’t too severe — and this can only be confirmed through blood tests — ethanol can sometimes be enough to treat it,” Hay said.
UK Minister for Consular Affairs and Crisis Response Hamish Falconer added:
“We’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urge anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.”
How to Stay Safe
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Buy alcohol only from licensed bars or stores.
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Avoid drinks poured from unlabelled bottles.
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Check caps and seals for tampering.
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If a drink smells or tastes unusual, don’t drink it.
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Avoid “homemade” or unverified alcohol brands.