The expanded list builds on guidance issued for Laos, Thailand and Vietnam and several other countries, which was issued following the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year.
Among them was 28-year-old Simone White, whose mother Sue – a Go Travel agent – has campaigned to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking unlicensed alcohol overseas.
Inspired by White's campaigning, the team at Yorkshire agency Olive Lounge Travel were last month inspired to create their own methanol poisoning awareness leaflets to hand out to clients.
The team at Olive Lounge Travel have created a leaflet outlining the dangers posed by methanol poisoning (Credit: Olive Lounge Travel)
Besides Mexico and Japan, Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda have all been added to the list, which also features Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji, in addition to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Incidents of methanol poisoning involving British visitors have been recorded in all 16 countries on the list.
The new advice reads: "There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world.
"Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking."
The advice also signposts users to a separate page on drink spiking and methanol poisoning, featuring information on how to reduce the risks.
Prominent symptoms of methanol poisoning to look out for include blurry vision and confusion, said the FCDO, which is currently running an advertising campaign to raise awareness of the signs of methanol poisoning. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting and dizziness, similar to alcohol poisoning or drunkenness.
The additions to the list follow engagement between parliamentarians, industry bodies and those affected by incidents of methanol poisoning overseas.
Methanol is an industrial alcohol found in antifreeze and paint thinner, and in some countries, is illegally mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails to cut costs. Even in small amounts, methanol can cause blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours of consumption.
'Preventing further tragedies'
Hamish Falconer, Foreign Office minister for consular and crisis, said: "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."
