Overview
- The Department for Education says secondary pupils will be taught how to reduce the risk of drink spiking and poisoning from substances such as methanol.
- Kirsty McKie, 38, died in Bali in 2022 after drinking limoncello later linked by pathology tests to methanol poisoning.
- No prosecution has been possible because the contaminated bottle was discarded before the cause was identified.
- The Foreign Office expanded its ‘Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning’ advice, now covering 16 countries, with officials warning early symptoms can mimic ordinary alcohol intoxication.
- Campaigners highlight risks from counterfeit or resealed bottles and urge travellers to buy sealed drinks from licensed venues, avoid street or homemade alcohol, know the symptoms, and seek immediate medical help.