A recent toxicology examination revealed that the drinks consumed by seven tourists in Fiji, who subsequently became ill, were free from methanol and other illicit substances, according to local authorities.
Authorities in Fiji have confirmed that the drinks consumed by seven tourists at a luxury resort were not tainted with methanol or illicit substances. This announcement follows an incident where the tourists, including four Australians, experienced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and neurological issues after drinking cocktails at the Warwick Fiji resort’s bar last Saturday. Despite the scare, all individuals have since been discharged from medical care and are reported to be completely recovered.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, Viliame R. Gavoka, expressed regret over the incident, which interrupted the holiday experience for these visitors. He assured the public that this was an isolated case, emphasizing that no further similar reports have been made at the resort or within Fiji. The resort, a noted destination particularly among Australian tourists, has operated without such incidents for decades.
The occurrence in Fiji comes shortly after a troubling event in Laos, where six tourists from various countries died due to methanol poisoning from locally brewed spirits. This incident has prompted travel advisories about the potential dangers of consuming alcohol abroad. Despite the incident in Fiji, the country’s tourism minister reassured that Fiji remains a safe travel destination, visited by nearly a million tourists annually.
The Warwick Resort Management has described the situation as unprecedented in its 40-year history in Fiji, affirming their commitment to high food and beverage safety standards. Meanwhile, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its travel advice, cautioning visitors about drink spiking and methanol risks.
This incident draws attention to the broader issue of alcohol safety for travelers. The global travel community remains wary, especially after the recent Laos tragedy, where tourists fell victim to deadly methanol poisoning. Such incidents highlight the importance of vigilance when consuming alcoholic beverages in foreign countries.
The recent findings from Fiji provide some reassurance to travelers, as authorities confirmed the safety of the drinks involved in the incident. However, the global travel community is reminded to remain cautious about alcohol consumption abroad, given recent international incidents.
