Visitors to the Eden Project in Cornwall who bought a strung seed bracelet from the Eden shop have been urged to return them.
The seeds come from the Abrus precatorius and contain the poison Abrin.
The advice given on the Eden Project website is:
Seeds from contain the poison abrin which is very toxic.Ingestion of any quantity of chewed, crushed or drilled (such as in a necklace) seeds should be regarded seriously because, if fully absorbed, even small amounts of abrin can be fatal.
It is prohibited to send poisons through the post
The Eden Project have offered a full refund to anyone who bought a bracelet from them, even if the receipt has been lost, if the bracelet is returned to them via the post.
However the Royal Mail told me this morning that it is prohibited to send poisons and toxins through the post.
What the Royal Mail website advises about Poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances:
Substances that are liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled, or by skin contact. All toxic substances are prohibited.
It's advisable to check with the Royal Mail (or any private postal service you may use) before posting off your bracelet.
When I spoke with them this morning the Eden Project seemed unaware it was prohibited to send poisons and toxins through the post.
Image: Abrus precatorius Wikipedia
The Eden Project have now removed their advice (and postal address) about posting bracelets back to them.
Posted by: Philip Voice | Jan 10, 2012 at 12:13 PM