CANADA RAISES ALARM OVER UNSAFE ALCOHOL IN NIGERIA

The Canadian government has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated and adulterated alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths and illnesses linked to methanol-contaminated beverages.

The warning was contained in an updated travel advisory published by the Canadian government. It advised travellers to purchase alcohol only from reputable establishments.

The advisory followed reports from Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control that locally prepared alcoholic and herbal concoctions containing high levels of methanol had been linked to deaths in Ondo State.

NAFDAC said 48 people had died, while seven others had reportedly suffered blindness. The agency also recorded 182 cases of illness as of September 17.

The agency said laboratory tests on samples of the suspected drinks confirmed the presence of high concentrations of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause serious health complications.

NAFDAC also disclosed that 15 people had been arrested over the suspected production, sale and distribution of the implicated beverages.

Canadian authorities advised travellers who become unwell after consuming alcohol to seek medical attention and avoid products of uncertain origin.