Alert -Jequirity bean bracelets

We have received an alert regarding the sale of the following bracelets that have been on sale at Eden Project in Cornwall and another 36 retailers across the UK; urging customers to return the red and black bracelets made from the Jequirity bean, the deadly seed of the plant abrus precatorious. It contains the toxin abrin, a controlled substance under the Terrorism Act that if swallowed can kill in doses of just 3 micrograms.

Abrin is chemically similar to ricin, a chemical warfare agent. People who have bought the bracelets are being urged to bag them and then wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes. The Eden Project alone sold 2,800 bracelets over a year. I If you attend a patient known to have been in contact with one of these bracelets please treat as per poisonous substances and be aware of the imminent risk to the patient.

Should you require any further information please contact one of the clinical team

Roger Watson - Deputy Clinical Director
East Midlands Ambulance Service