A hidden killer in your drink.
Every year, thousands of people unknowingly consume methanol-tainted alcohol worldwide, with South-East Asia among the regions most affected. A single contaminated source can kill dozens, while many more cases go undetected or unreported.
In 2025, 1,200+ people were poisoned and 400+ died. Over the past five years, 11,800+ were poisoned and 4,500+ died.
Methanol is odourless, colourless and indistinguishable from regular alcohol. By the time something feels wrong, it’s already too late.
Roughly 1 in 4 bottles of alcohol sold worldwide is illicit: about 26% of global consumption.
Sources: TRACIT / APISWA, Tackling Illicit Alcohol in Southeast Asia; Euromonitor, 2018 Global Study on Illicit Alcohol.