"Some rural schools use these seeds for counting purposes in the primary classes. This practice is very dangerous and must be stopped as the olinda seed is extremely toxic. It can have serious impacts leading to death, on the children if they ingest it after biting it accidentally", Head, National Poisons Information Centre, Dr Waruna Gunathilake said.

He said his Unit continued to receive distress calls from parents, teachers and others with regard to the accidental ingestion of oilnda seeds, noting there had been a few deaths in the past 2-3 years. "The seed which is scarlet and black is attractive to children. They are likely to be tempted to bite or swallow it. If that happens the consequences could be fatal", he warned. "Use madati seeds which are larger in size and safer, or siyambala seeds which are also very safe and non toxic", he said.

Olinda which grows wild in dry regions of Sri Lanka at low elevations, is said to contain several medicinal properties. According to research studies, it is traditionally used to cure sores, wounds and itch from bites of dogs, cats and rats.

"It must however be kept away from the reach of children, and not brought into classrooms, as ingestion of even a few seeds could be fatal for young children.

Anyone who wishes to obtain more information on its toxicity should contact our hotline: 2686143, Dr Gunathilake said.