Britons told to avoid street/homemade alcohol and be cautious of pre-mixed cocktails, shots, or jugs.
It's the weekend, and different people who partake in alcohol will be hopping from one entertainment joint to another to grab a bottle or a shot. But do you ever ask yourself how safe your drink is?
This week, the British government issued a warning to its citizens living in Kenya and seven other countries to be cautious of methanol poisoning and advised travellers to take steps to minimise the risk.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) expanded methanol poisoning warnings to cover eight additional countries visited by Britons where incidents have been recorded.
A glass of bloodymary cocktail. Photo/FILE
Kenya and Uganda are two countries in the East African region that were added to the list of countries with a risk of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks, raising fears about how deep the malpractice runs.
"I read the notice; though there's some truth, it is alarming. This will make me only order my stock from credible suppliers," said John Mwangi, a spirits and wine dealer in Mombasa.
In the advisory, British nationals have been advised to avoid consuming street-side or homemade alcohol.
"Purchase sealed or bottled drinks from licensed establishments. Be cautious of consuming pre-mixed, spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails, shots, or drinks served in buckets or jugs," read part of the advisory from the FCDO.
The FCDO is campaigning on the dangers of methanol poisoning through the “Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning” advertising campaign.
Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis Affairs, Hamish Falconer, said, "Methanol poisoning can kill—it can be difficult to detect when drinking, and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realize the danger, it can be too late."
The update follows engagement with parliamentarians, industry bodies, and those affected by methanol poisoning overseas.
Other countries added to the methanol poisoning list for traveller guidance include Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, and Russia.
Methanol is an industrial alcohol that can be found in antifreeze and paint thinners. In some countries overseas, it is illegally mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails to cut costs. Even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12–48 hours of consumption.
The toxic substance is tasteless and odourless, making it impossible for travellers to detect.
The FCDO notice has asked travellers to be aware of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, which can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion, followed by blurred vision, blindness, or difficulty breathing within 12–48 hours.
Those experiencing such signs are urged to seek urgent medical attention if they experience symptoms of methanol poisoning after drinking.
However, the Kenyan government has assured its citizens that it is vigilant in ensuring all products in the market are safe for use.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) offices. Kebs said that it had successfully integrated its Information Management System (KIMS) with the Kenya Trade Network Agency’s Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) which will now see all applications for certification go online.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has moved to reassure the public over the safety of methanol in the country.
In a statement, KEBS clarified that all methanol in Kenya, whether locally manufactured or imported, undergoes mandatory denaturation to make it unfit for human consumption.
“All methanol in the country is denatured by adding the bitterest chemical known—denatonium benzoate. This ensures methanol found in Kenya can never be mistaken for alcohol, as the compound gives it an extremely bitter taste that prevents ingestion," stated KEBS.
The agency emphasised that methanol sold or used within Kenya is strictly governed by established national standards developed by the Industrial Solvents and Chemical Technical Committee.
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