Methanol Poisoning: A Hidden Danger for Young Travellers Abroad

Methanol is an industrial chemical found in products like antifreeze and cleaning solvents. It should never be consumed. Yet, in some countries, it is illegally added to counterfeit alcohol because it is cheaper than ethanol (the safe alcohol found in drinks).

Even tiny amounts of methanol can be lethal. It can cause blindness, organ failure, seizures, and death. Travellers who unknowingly consume methanol often don’t realise what has happened until it’s too late.

To understand the devastation methanol poisoning causes, we need to share stories like that of Simone White, a bright young lawyer with her whole future ahead of her.

While travelling in Laos with her friend Beth, Simone accepted free shots offered at a hostel in a riverside town, a popular hub for backpackers. The next day, both felt unwell but pressed on with their plans. Hours later, while on a bus journey, Beth fainted and Simone began vomiting.

They were rushed to a hospital where doctors initially suspected food poisoning. By the time they reached a private hospital, Simone was deteriorating rapidly. She endured seizures, dialysis, and even emergency brain surgery. Tragically, it was too late.

Test results confirming methanol poisoning did not arrive until two weeks later. Simone’s family and friends had already lost her to this preventable tragedy.

Her death is a stark reminder: this isn’t an abstract risk. It happens to real people, with bright futures, whose lives are stolen by greed.

Read more on Instagram: Methanol Awareness Campaign in Memory of Simone White.

Methanol poisoning incidents most often occur in parts of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa—regions popular with young backpackers and gap year travellers. Hostels, bars, and clubs sometimes serve cheap or free drinks to lure in tourists.

What looks like a fun night out can quickly become a life-threatening situation. UK travellers are particularly vulnerable because many are unaware that fake alcohol is a genuine danger in some destinations.

On 3 September 2025, Laura Trott, MP for Sevenoaks, introduced the Methanol Poisoning Bill under the ten-minute rule in Parliament. The Bill seeks to ensure the UK provides clear and consistent advice to travellers heading to high-risk destinations.

We commend Laura for her leadership on this issue and look forward to the Bill’s second reading, scheduled for 29 May 2026.

But we must not wait until next year for change. Awareness starts now.

Laura Trott has praised Australia’s Smart Traveller Service, which gives travellers clear, practical warnings about methanol poisoning and other risks abroad.

The UK needs a similar system. Until then, it falls on us—travellers, families, friends—to share the risks and protect each other.

To reduce your risk of methanol poisoning while travelling:

• Only drink from sealed, branded bottles.

• Avoid free shots or unlabelled spirits in hostels, bars, or clubs.

• Be cautious of extremely cheap alcohol in tourist hotspots.

• Check for official travel advisories before you go.

• If you feel unwell after drinking, seek medical help immediately and mention the possibility of methanol poisoning.

Methanol poisoning is entirely preventable. It happens because some sellers cut corners, caring only about profit instead of human life.

Let’s not wait for legislation. Let’s act now. Tell everyone you know about this danger. Share Simone’s story. Warn young travellers before they set off.

Together, we can prevent more lives from being stolen by this despicable practice.

What is methanol poisoning?

Methanol poisoning happens when people consume alcohol that has been contaminated or replaced with methanol, a toxic chemical used in industrial products like antifreeze. Even small amounts can cause blindness, organ failure, or death.

Which countries are high-risk for methanol poisoning?

Cases are most frequently reported in parts of Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, where counterfeit or illegally produced alcohol is sometimes sold in bars, hostels, and shops. Travellers should always be cautious with free or unlabelled drinks.

How can I avoid methanol poisoning when travelling?

• Only drink from sealed, branded bottles.

• Avoid free shots or “home-made” spirits offered in hostels or clubs.

• Be cautious with very cheap alcohol in tourist hotspots.

• Stay alert to local travel health warnings before you go.

What are the symptoms of methanol poisoning?

Early symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and blurred vision. In severe cases, symptoms may progress to seizures, unconsciousness, and even death. Medical treatment must be sought immediately if methanol poisoning is suspected.

What is the UK government doing to raise awareness?

On 3 September 2025, Laura Trott MP introduced the Methanol Poisoning Bill, aiming to provide clearer guidance for travellers to high-risk countries. The Bill’s second reading is scheduled for 29 May 2026, but travellers should spread awareness now and take precautions before travelling.