Nghe An issues 'urgent' dispatch to prevent poisoning from tung tree seeds

(Baonghean.vn) - Nghe An Department of Education and Training has just issued an 'urgent' document after two cases of mass poisoning of students due to eating parasol tree fruit.

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The dispatch sent to the education and training departments of districts, cities, towns and units under the department stated: On April 20 and 21, there were a number of poisoning cases in the province due to eating the fruit of the parasol tree. The reason is that this tree contains organic compounds that can be toxic to the body when eaten.

"Urgent" dispatch from Nghe An Department of Education and Training. Photo: My Ha

To proactively prevent and ensure the health of students at educational institutions and schools in the province, the Director of the Department of Education and Training requested heads of education departments and heads of units under the department to direct local facilities to propagate through educational media knowledge about food safety and food poisoning prevention.

In particular, focus on communicating measures to ensure food safety and prevent poisoning from naturally toxic plants. Absolutely do not use any part of the plant, flower, or fruit that contains toxic or suspected compounds for food or drink.

In addition, instruct schools to review, immediately remove and not plant trees and flowers containing toxic compounds that are grown for ornamental purposes or growing wild on school grounds. If they must be planted for study and research purposes, there must be signs and safety control measures appropriate to each tree and flower. Also according to the Department of Education and Training, the types of trees recommended by the Ministry of Health are: aconite, jimsonweed, oleander, pine, yellow belt, milkweed, castor oil plant, and parasol tree.

At the same time, regularly monitor and promptly detect any unusual health problems suspected to be caused by eating plants, flowers, and fruits containing toxic compounds and notify the nearest medical facility for timely coordination and handling.

Previously, due to eating poisonous fruit, nearly 90 students of Nghi Hoa Primary School (Cua Lo Town) and Quy Chau Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities - Secondary School were poisoned with symptoms of nausea, stomachache, and diarrhea due to eating seeds of the parasol tree fruit.

My Ha