Canada cautions citizens in Nigeria against alcohol over methanol deaths

The Canadian government has warned its citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when consuming alcohol following reports of deaths linked to methanol-contaminated drinks, Global News reported.

In a safety notice on Tuesday, Canadian officials said casualties had occurred from unregulated, adulterated alcohol containing high levels of methanol. They advised buying alcohol from reputable establishments and seeking medical help on feeling sick. Last week, Nigerian health officials said 48 people had died and about 180 were being treated in Ondo State after drinking a locally brewed beverage suspected of containing methanol.

Ondo police said 15 people had been arrested. Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has enforced a nationwide ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small plastic containers.