UNITED KINGDOM – The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens against the growing risk of methanol poisoning from counterfeit alcoholic drinks in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, and five other countries.
In its latest update, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expanded its methanol poisoning guidance to include Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and Russia — citing rising cases of toxic alcohol incidents abroad.
“The FCDO has added methanol poisoning guidance to travel advice pages for eight countries,” the advisory read. “The update follows engagement with Parliamentarians, industry bodies and those affected by methanol poisoning overseas.”
Previously, the UK had issued similar warnings for countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji, where British travellers have fallen victim to adulterated alcohol.
‘Methanol Can Kill’
Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Minister for Consular and Crisis, said methanol poisoning can be difficult to detect, as early symptoms often mimic ordinary alcohol intoxication.
“By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late,” Falconer warned. “Even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours of consumption. We urge anyone who suspects poisoning to seek immediate medical attention.”
Falconer advised tourists to buy sealed drinks only from licensed establishments, avoid homemade alcohol, and be cautious of cheap pre-mixed cocktails or spirits served in buckets or jugs.
He added that distinctive symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, dizziness, confusion and vision problems that may appear up to two days after drinking.
Kenya’s Rising Illicit Alcohol Problem
The travel warning comes as Kenya continues to battle a fast-growing trade in counterfeit and illicit alcohol — a crisis that has alarmed health officials and industry players.
A Euromonitor International report found that illicit and counterfeit alcohol now makes up about 60 per cent of Kenya’s alcohol market, surpassing the legal trade in both volume and value.
The report also revealed a sharp rise in fake spirit brands since 2022, with popular products such as Gilbey’s Gin and Chrome Vodka being the most affected.
“Illicit trade involving counterfeit alcohol is growing at an alarming rate,” said Samuel Matano, Chairperson of the Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK), in a statement last month. “This not only results in massive revenue losses but also poses a grave health risk, particularly to our youth.”
Kenyan authorities have in recent months intensified multi-agency crackdowns on illegal alcohol factories, smuggling networks, and rogue distributors, amid mounting reports of deaths linked to toxic brews.
Methanol: A Hidden Killer
Methanol, commonly used in antifreeze and paint thinners, is sometimes illegally added to spirits to cut production costs. The substance is colourless and odourless, making it impossible for consumers to detect.
The FCDO’s campaign, titled “Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning,” aims to raise awareness among British travellers about the lethal risks of consuming counterfeit alcohol abroad.
“No family should endure what others have suffered,” Falconer said. “The determination of campaigners to prevent more deaths has been instrumental in driving these vital updates.”
