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The Foreign Office has broadened its methanol poisoning alerts to encompass eight more countries as new incidents surface. Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia have now been incorporated into the warning roster, alongside sought-after getaway spots Japan and Mexico. The contamination can be deadly , with authorities encouraging travellers to acquaint themselves with the danger signs and safety measures whilst journeying abroad. Methanol is an industrial spirit that gets unlawfully mixed into alcoholic drinks and cocktails by dodgy establishments seeking to cut expenses. Even minuscule amounts can trigger lasting damage such as sight loss or prove fatal within 48 hours, reports the Express. Further details can be accessed on the Government's Travel Aware website . The full list of countries with methanol warnings: The hazardous chemical can be challenging for revellers to detect as it possesses no flavour or odour, whilst initial danger signals can resemble typical alcohol intoxication. Tourists are recommended to choose bottled drinks from authorised establishments, avoid homemade alcohols, and show additional vigilance with pre-prepared beverages, cocktails and drinks dispensed in shared vessels whilst overseas. Certain danger signals of methanol contamination may emerge within 12 to 48 hours following intake including: The Foreign Office warned: "Anyone showing any signs of methanol poisoning should seek urgent medical attention immediately." Hamish Falconer, the Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, issued a stark warning: "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. "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. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday. "No family should endure what the campaigners' families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice."
