Agriculture Ministry Warns of Poisonous Seeds Mixed With Beans in Markets

What the report says

Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has issued a food safety warning about reports of poisonous rubber tree seeds being mixed with beans sold in some markets, with particular concern raised in Agago District. According to the ministry’s alert, complaints were received and evidence was verified that seeds from the rubber tree, scientifically known as Hevea brasiliensis, had been fraudulently blended with beans.

The ministry said the seeds are not edible and contain cyanogenic glycosides, substances that can release cyanide and cause poisoning. It warned that eating them, whether raw or cooked together with beans, could lead to serious illness, including stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, weakness and diarrhoea. The alert also noted that children are especially vulnerable, and that chickens and pigs could be harmed if they eat large amounts.

MAAIF advised consumers to check beans carefully before buying or cooking them, including spreading them out for inspection and removing any round, mottled seeds, stones or broken beans. It said the suspect seeds can be identified by their round, marble-like shape, shiny grey-white colour and dark markings, unlike normal beans. Buyers were also urged to use trusted traders and to wash and sort beans thoroughly before cooking.

The ministry further asked traders to avoid storing beans in sacks previously used for rubber seeds or other non-food items, and called on market leaders and local authorities to help enforce inspections and spread the warning.