Cocktails, welcome drinks and supposedly premium bottled spirits can contain methanol, a toxic alcohol that can cause death or permanent vision loss when ingested; travelers should exercise caution and avoid drinking unknown or unverified alcoholic beverages abroad.

What methanol is and why it is dangerous

Methanol is a colourless, volatile alcohol used in industrial products such as paint removers, antifreeze and solvents; when consumed it is metabolised to formaldehyde and formic acid, which cause metabolic acidosis, central nervous system depression and optic nerve damage that can lead to permanent blindness or death. Small volumes — as little as a few tablespoons — can be lethal without prompt medical treatment.

Recent incidents and geographic pattern

Several fatal outbreaks have been reported in Southeast Asia, most recently a cluster of deaths among tourists in the Lao tourist town of Vang Vieng linked to contaminated bar drinks. Outbreaks of methanol poisoning also occur regularly in other countries where illicit or improperly produced alcohol circulates, raising concern for travelers in popular backpacker and party destinations.

Practical travel safety guidance

• Avoid unbranded or homemade spirits; prefer sealed, reputable brands purchased from licensed retailers.

• Decline suspicious cocktails and free “welcome” drinks offered in informal settings; never assume a mixed drink is safe because it is expensive or served in a polished venue.

• Be cautious with single-use or cheaply relabelled bottles; counterfeiters sometimes re-bottle industrial alcohol to appear legitimate.

• If you feel unwell after drinking, seek emergency medical attention immediately and tell clinicians you may have consumed methanol, because specific antidotes and supportive treatment reduce the risk of blindness and death.

• Share information with travel companions and local authorities if you suspect contaminated alcohol to help prevent further victims.

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Reporting and follow-up

Travellers who suspect they have encountered counterfeit or tainted alcohol should report it to local health authorities and their embassy or consulate; public reporting helps trigger testing, recalls and warnings for other visitors