After the discovery of a deadly methanol poisoning outbreak in Ondo State, Canada has issued an official safety warning to its citizens travelling to or residing in Nigeria.
Canadian officials have advised travellers to purchase alcohol only from reputable establishments after approximately 182 people received treatment and 48 people died after consuming a harmful local beverage known as “Monkey Tail”.
Methanol Can Cause Serious Health Problems
Medical professionals say methanol, a hazardous industrial solvent, can cause blindness, brain damage and multi-organ failure. 
“I took like two shots and I went out on Friday. On Saturday, I noticed that I could not see,” 32-year-old Sola Adebayo told the local TVC News channel from a hospital bed
Police in Ondo State have detained suspects in connection with the incident.
Following reports of deaths and casualties linked to methanol-contaminated alcohol, Canadian government authorities cautioned Canadians about consuming unregulated alcohol in Nigeria.
The Government Issues Safety Advisory
Canada officials stated in a safety advisory issued:
“Casualties have occurred in Nigeria due to the consumption of unregulated and adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. Buy alcohol from reputable establishments and seek medical assistance if you begin to feel sick.”
According to Ondo State police spokesman Abayomi Jimoh, police arrested 15 people in connection with the toxic concoction.
READ ALSO: How Student Who Overdosed on Paracetamol Learns to Walk and Talk Again
Nigeria Bans Sachet Alcohol
Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.
Methanol is a clear, colourless alcohol that manufacturers commonly use in industrial cleaners, solvents, paint, cosmetics and antifreeze.
It is frequently added to mixed cocktails in unsafe bars as a cheaper substitute to ethanol, although it can cause serious poisoning or death.
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