The agriculture ministry has warned consumers, particularly in Agago District, to inspect beans carefully for poisonous rubber tree seeds that can cause serious illness if eaten, even when cooked with the beans.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has warned the public against poisonous rubber tree seeds allegedly being mixed with beans sold in some markets, particularly in Agago District.
In a public food safety alert, the ministry said it had received complaints and verified evidence of rubber tree seeds, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis, being fraudulently mixed with beans, raising concerns about food safety.
MAAIF warned that the seeds are not edible and contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that can release cyanide and cause poisoning when consumed.
The ministry said eating the seeds, whether raw or cooked with beans, could cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, weakness and diarrhoea.
Children are particularly vulnerable, while chickens and pigs could also die after consuming large quantities of the seeds, according to the alert.
The ministry advised consumers to inspect beans carefully before purchasing them. Rubber tree seeds can be identified by their round, marble-like shape, shiny grey-white colour and dark brown or black spots and stripes.
Unlike beans, which are generally flat or kidney-shaped, the rubber seeds also have a small white spot where they were attached to the pod.
Consumers have been urged to spread beans on a flat tray and inspect them before purchasing them. The ministry also advised buyers to obtain produce from trusted traders who properly clean and sort their stock.
Before cooking, households should sort beans thoroughly on a table or large plate, removing all round, mottled seeds, stones and broken beans, before washing the beans two to three times with clean water, MAAIF said.
The ministry cautioned consumers against cooking beans if they are uncertain about their safety, advising them to seek guidance from an agricultural extension worker or health centre.
Anyone who suspects they have consumed the poisonous seeds should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health centre or hospital. They should also carry a sample of the suspected seeds to help health workers identify the substance.
MAAIF urged traders to avoid storing beans in sacks previously used for rubber seeds or other non-food items and to ensure produce is properly cleaned and sorted before sale.
Market leaders, agricultural police and market masters have also been urged to conduct regular inspections to prevent the sale of contaminated produce.
The ministry called on local council leaders, parish chiefs and village health teams to disseminate the warning, emphasising the need for collective responsibility in protecting public health.