UK Issues Fresh Travel Alert Over Fake Alcohol Risk in Nigeria, Seven Other Countries
The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens about the growing risk of consuming counterfeit and contaminated alcoholic beverages in Nigeria and seven other countries.
In the updated advisory published on Tuesday by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), British nationals were cautioned to exercise extreme care when purchasing or consuming alcoholic drinks, particularly from unverified sources, bars, and street vendors.
According to the advisory, reports have emerged of fake and adulterated alcohol being sold in parts of Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, leading to multiple cases of poisoning, hospitalization, and even death.
The FCDO listed Nigeria, Kenya, India, Turkey, Mexico, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand among countries where the risk of exposure to illicitly brewed or contaminated alcohol remains high.
“Travellers are advised to only consume drinks from reputable establishments and avoid purchasing alcohol from informal or roadside outlets,” the advisory stated.
“Fake or contaminated alcohol can cause serious illness, blindness, or death. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing.”
The British government also urged citizens to be vigilant in social gatherings and to report any suspected cases of alcohol tampering to local authorities or consular offices.
In Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has repeatedly warned against the circulation of fake alcoholic beverages, which often contain industrial chemicals such as methanol, a highly toxic substance not meant for human consumption.
NAFDAC officials recently disclosed that several illegal distilleries operating in Lagos, Anambra, and Kano have been shut down, with thousands of bottles of adulterated drinks confiscated.
Public health experts have described the UK’s renewed alert as a timely warning, noting that counterfeit alcohol has become a silent public health crisis in several developing nations.
“Many people unknowingly buy locally brewed or imported spirits that have not passed safety checks,” said Dr. Ifeoma Eze, a public health specialist. “Even small quantities of methanol-laced alcohol can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system or lead to death.”
The UK government said its embassies in the affected countries are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to update the travel advisory based on new developments.
