Almost two weeks after Fiji put to rest reported alcohol poisoning and drink spiking claims, Britain has issued a travel alert to its citizens who are planning on travelling to Fiji.
They have been warned of their drinks being spiked with methanol.
Fiji reported a 15 per cent increase in UK visitors for the first quarter of this year when compared to 2023.
“Alcoholic drinks containing methanol have caused serious illness. There is a risk of methanol poisoning from home-brewed alcohol or counterfeit replicas of well-known alcohol brands,” said the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in an alert published on 24 December.
FCDO listed the drinks that may be affected and could contain methanol are local spirits, spirit-based mixed drinks such as cocktails and counterfeit brand-name spirit.
“If the label, smell or taste seems wrong, do not drink the alcohol. These are signs it is illegal and could contain methanol.”
“Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show signs of methanol poisoning.”
