Warning: Your Favourite Vacation Cocktail Could Contain This Dangerous Chemical! Find Out Why

Vacations are a time for relaxation and enjoyment, often accompanied by a refreshing cocktail or two. But what if the very drink you're sipping on could pose a serious health risk? This is the alarming reality for some travellers who have encountered methanol in their beverages, leading to tragic consequences.

Recently, the dangers of methanol poisoning have come to light following the heartbreaking story of a father's call to action after the poisoning death of his daughter. The young woman was one of several tourists who tragically passed away after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos. These incidents have raised important questions about methanol, its presence in drinks, and how to avoid it.


Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a chemical that's used industrially as a fuel and in products like antifreeze and solvents. It's a byproduct of wood distillation and is not intended for human consumption. The reason for this is clear: methanol is highly toxic. Even small amounts can be lethal without prompt medical intervention. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and can escalate to seizures, coma, or even death.


compressed-alcohol.jpeg
Methanol is a toxic chemical with no distinct taste and odour, making it a cheap yet illegal add-on to alcoholic drinks. Image Credit: Pexels/Chris F


So why might methanol be found in your vacation cocktail? Unscrupulous bars and vendors have been known to add methanol to alcoholic drinks to increase their potency and save money on ethanol-based spirits, which are safe to consume. This dangerous practice is not limited to any one region but can occur anywhere, especially where the cost or taxes on legitimate alcohol are high.


The risk is particularly acute with homemade spirits or in regions with less stringent controls over alcohol production. In some cases, methanol can inadvertently end up in the final product during the distillation process, especially in home-brew setups common in poorer countries.

To protect yourself from methanol poisoning, it's crucial to be vigilant about where you get your drinks. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
  • Stick to licensed liquor stores and reputable bars or hotels when purchasing alcoholic beverages.
  • Always check that the bottle seal is intact and that labels are of high quality without misspellings.
  • Avoid homemade brews or spirits, as these are more likely to contain methanol.
  • Be cautious of free drinks or those priced significantly lower than expected, as they may be adulterated.
  • Opt for canned or bottled beer, cider, wine, and pre-mixed drinks from known brands, as these are less likely to be tampered with.

The Methanol Institute also suggests that duty-free products are generally safer choices, as they are subject to more rigorous quality controls.

It's important to remember that methanol is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect in a drink. If you suspect that you or someone else has consumed methanol, it's critical to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is key to a successful recovery.

As we look forward to our next holiday, let's ensure that our health and safety remain a top priority. By being informed and cautious about what we drink, we can avoid the dangers of methanol and enjoy our vacations to the fullest.


Key Takeaways

  • Multiple tourists including two Australians, a British woman, an American man, and two Danes died from suspected methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol in Laos.
  • Methanol is a toxic form of alcohol often found in fuel, antifreeze, and solvents, and can be fatal if ingested in quantities as small as 25 to 90 millilitres without prompt medical treatment.
  • The practice of adding methanol to drinks is not exclusive to any region but occurs worldwide where there is a financial incentive to substitute ethanol with cheaper methanol.
  • To avoid methanol poisoning, individuals should buy beverages from reputable sources, check bottle seals and labels, and be cautious of homemade brews and drinks offered at significantly lower prices than usual.

Have you ever had a close call with a suspicious drink while traveling? Share your experiences and tips with our community in the comments below. Let's help each other stay safe and informed!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy

Seniors Discount Club

Sponsored content

Info
Loading data . . .
It only seems to happen in that disgusting hole of a place called Bali or that other shit hole Laos (my opinion of cause), why people go there I don't understand. There are much nicer places to go and not have to fear if you are drinking poison or not. Not that cheap if you end up DEAD.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: magpie1
I've had many such intoxicating experiences after a couple of gin and tonics. I always blame it on the methanol. Ethanol couldn't possibly do this
 
I don't consume so hopefully I would be safe but then I wouldn't go to Asian countries. Years ago my husband went to India for the Airline he worked for when he got back had to rush him to Charlie Gardner's was there 5 hours turned out he'd picked up a parasite in his feet as he was wearing thongs hmm
 
I don't consume so hopefully I would be safe but then I wouldn't go to Asian countries. Years ago my husband went to India for the Airline he worked for when he got back had to rush him to Charlie Gardner's was there 5 hours turned out he'd picked up a parasite in his feet as he was wearing thongs hmm
😳yuk really how horrible
 
  • Like
Reactions: PattiB
What harm could a single atom of carbon and a single atom of hydrogen do??? It's a bit like water and hydrogen peroxide Just add one harmless atom of oxygen to water (dihydrogen monoxide) and you get something that turns your hair an interesting shade (H2O2 = hydrogen peroxide. An extra hydrogen atom to CH3 gives you a potent greenhouse gas (methane - CH4). Very flammable gas ! Ask those guys who have tried to light it when it exits your bum
 
  • Like
Reactions: Littleboy8
This event should put Bali on the 'VISIT AT YOUR OWN RISK' alert for our young Australians who go there and enjoy the local bars and nightclubs for some entertainment and fun.....it should give very cautionary advice to our kids and get them to look seriously at safer destinations if they are determined to holiday in nearby destinations in Asia. Be very Careful kids, it could happen to you or your friends. Feel so awfully sorry for the parents, family and friends of the poor young girls who died recently. May they R.I.P.
 
It only seems to happen in that disgusting hole of a place called Bali, why people go there I don't understand. There are much nicer places to go and not have to fear if you are drinking poison or not. Not that cheap if you end up DEAD.
It wasn't in Bali, it was Laos.
I've been going to Bali for the of last 35 years, without any problems.
YOu need to keep your wits about you travelling anywhere in the world.
What parts of Bali have you stayed in to form this opinion
 
It only seems to happen in that disgusting hole of a place called Bali, why people go there I don't understand. There are much nicer places to go and not have to fear if you are drinking poison or not. Not that cheap if you end up DEAD.
It wasn’t in Bali and I used to go to Bali every year in the 80’s and 90’s and never had any problems.😊
 
It wasn’t in Bali and I used to go to Bali every year in the 80’s and 90’s and never had any problems.😊
You usually find the people who criticise Bali are the ones who have never been there.
I'm off back there next August with my best friend, we
Iove the beaches,the countryside, the food and the beautiful Balinese people.
 
You usually find the people who criticise Bali are the ones who have never been there.
I'm off back there next August with my best friend, we
Iove the beaches,the countryside, the food and the beautiful Balinese people.
I just remembered the first time I went to Bali was in 1979 and we went from Darwin to Bali to celebrate my 21st birthday. Omg that’s so long ago 😳I’m so old nooooooooo🤣
 
It wasn't in Bali, it was Laos.
I've been going to Bali for the of last 35 years, without any problems.
YOu need to keep your wits about you travelling anywhere in the world.
What parts of Bali have you stayed in to form this opinion
I've never had to worry about Methanol in my drinks in another part of the World, just over there, not to mention the bombing 20 years back, which they knew was predominately frequented by Australians. Wouldn't comment if I hadn't been over there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Littleboy8
This article was of absolutely NO help! "Why does methanol wind up in our drinks?" they ask. "Because someone put it there!" comes the wise, wise answer. We need to know about that backpacker place, about whether staying in inexpensive hostels is generally OK, about what the outcome and punishment were for the perpetrators, about whether it WAS the management or a random outsider who did the spiking, and also, HOW? Not enough to just repeat week-old news with no further clarification.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Littleboy8

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×