Call for clear travel advice after fatal methanol poisoning cases
A bill was advanced in the United Kingdom to obtain advice on the risks of poisoning with clear methanol in travel councils after the death of several people, including an American, in Laos in 2024.
Laura Trott, a conservative deputy, said that the bill would force the government to provide prominent, clear and coherent advice on methanol poisoning for countries where the risk is known.
There is official information available on methanol poisoning, but, presenting the bill to the House of Commons, Trott said that it had to be highlighted to young people before traveling because they must currently search to find it.
Chloé Lassetteter and his family made aware of the dangers of methanol poisoning abroad after the death of Simone White, 28, in 2024.
Simone was traveling with her friend Bethany Clarke to Laos. They stayed in a city about two hours north of the capital where Simone and Bethany consumed free alcohol blows in an inn.
“The next day, the two felt bad, but they continued with their plans. A few hours later, after boarding a bus for their next destination, things got worse: Bethany passed out; Simone vomited. Unfortunately, has already died, ”said Trott.
Death to several countries
Bethany recovered after hospitalization, but six other young people died due to suspected methanol poisoning, having drank a drink in the same inn. Two Australians, two Danish women and an American.
“A year ago, like many of us here, I did not know much about methanol poisoning, but more than 1,000 people die every year in the world. It is a huge danger, but barely some of us know it. It must change,” said Trott.
Methanol is tasteless and has only a small odor, which makes it difficult to know if a drink has been contaminated. According to specialist doctors, drinking as little as 25 ml of methanol can be fatal, but it is sometimes added to drinks because it is cheaper than alcohol.
Trott said that the current official travel advice is not below and there is a clearer warning need.
“In some high -risk countries, there is very little warning. Where advice exists, it is vague and discreet. Travelers are informed that some drinks “could include a risk” or that they “should be cautious”. It is not a question of prudence: it is a deadly and avoidable danger. »»
MEPs Gareth Bacon, Jim Dickson, Tom Morrison and Vicky Foxcroft also supported the bill. It should be presented again in May 2026.
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