Methanol hidden in certain cocktails sold abroad would have caused blindness, claim travelers

A Canadian went to Tiktok earlier this month to share that a cocktail she drank while traveling abroad left her blind. His message was frank: “A blow can kill you.”

Ashley King, who lost her vision after methanol poisoning resulting from a drink she had on vacation in Bali, recently published a video with a petition to increase consciousness of the chemical potentially mortal hidden in certain cocktails. In his case, the drink that would have been given to him would have come to a reusable plastic bottle.

Methanol is a compound generally reserved for industrial processes and found in tastes of petrol, antifreeze and diluent. It is seriously toxic to humans when ingested, according to several health agencies.

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In some cases, it is added to alcohol to extend the offer, reported the Methanol Institute, a professional association.

“In developing countries around the world, in the black market, methanol is often added to alcohol to extend the volume of liquid,” King said in his video on August 4.

Methanol is toxic to humans when consumed. Despite this, it would be used in certain countries of the world to prolong alcohol. (istock)

King also said that contaminated alcohol was then sold at restaurants, bars, hotels and other alcohol consumption establishments.

“It does not feel different and it does not have a different taste for alcohol that we generally drink,” she said in her petition.

If a drink includes methanol, the person who consumes it can undergo severe poisoning, blindness or even death, according to several medical sources.

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Earlier this summer, an American tourist died in Laos after presumed alcohol poisoning, previously reported Fox News Digital.

Authorities have died in contaminated alcohols sold in a seaside resort. It was an extreme reminder that even drinks ordered on vacation can include hidden risks.

“This does not need to happen, but that is the case,” King said in his video, briefly approaching the Laos incident. “And not enough people know it.”

If a drink includes methanol, the person who consumed it can undergo severe poisoning, blindness or even death, according to several medical sources. (istock)

The same scheme has been reported elsewhere.

In Iran, at least 10 people died in 2023 after drinking homemade alcohols enriched with methanol, previously reported.

Europe has also experienced similar crises. An epidemic in central Europe in 2012 left 19 dead and 24 hospitalized after lots of vodka and rum contain methanol, by AP.

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People with methanol and ethanol poisoning can suffer from headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of coordination and decrease in the level of consciousness, notes Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Just as little as 30 milliliters – a blow – can kill you. And 15 milliliters can make you blind, have organ failure, liver damage and even brain damage,” said King, actor, writer and defender today.

A woman (not in the photo) shared her story to become blinding after drinking a contaminated cocktail while she was on vacation in Bali. (istock)

To reduce the risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that travelers refrain from buying illegal alcoholic drinks.

They should also avoid alcoholic beverages in unmarked containers and avoid uncharted or suspicious drinks.

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People should also consult immediate medical care if they experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.

“Losing my sight is the most difficult thing I have ever experienced, and I take care of it every day,” said King in a video on social networks.

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“It doesn’t need to happen, and if we can save a life, then all this will be worth it.”

Fox News Digital contacted King for other comments.