6 family members hospitalized over suspected poisoning from jicama seeds in northern Vietnam

According to the Vietnam Food Safety Authority under the Ministry of Health, the incident occurred in Xuan Truong Commune, Ninh Binh Province.

Shortly after consuming the seeds, the patients, including four adults and two children, developed abnormal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, agitation, and restlessness.

All patients were admitted to Hai Hau General Hospital, where they received emergency treatment and initial resuscitation before being transferred to Nam Dinh General Hospital for further care.

Two of the patients experienced severe complications and were later referred to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi in a comatose condition.

The Food Safety Authority has requested the Ninh Binh Department of Health to instruct medical facilities currently treating the patients to mobilize all available resources, closely monitor their conditions, and ensure patient safety.

Authorities were also told to quickly investigate the suspected food poisoning case, trace the source of the food involved, and identify the supply chain of the raw materials.

Food samples and biological specimens are required to be collected for laboratory testing to determine the exact cause of the poisoning.

If violations of food safety regulations are identified, relevant agencies must strictly handle the case in accordance with the law and publicly release the findings to promptly warn the community.

Doctors at Hai Hau General Hospital said jicama is a familiar root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked and is widely considered safe and cooling.

However, the seeds of the jicama plant must never be consumed.

Medical experts warned that jicama seeds contain rotenone, a toxic substance that was previously used as a pesticide and fish poison.

Rotenone can directly affect the nervous system and digestive tract, and even a very small amount can cause serious poisoning.

Poisoning from jicama seeds may lead to dangerous symptoms including nausea, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, and continuous diarrhea.

Patients may also experience extreme agitation, uncontrolled restlessness, seizures, and impaired consciousness.

In severe cases, the condition can be life-threatening, particularly for children.

Doctors strongly advise the public never to eat jicama seeds.

When growing jicama at home, seeds should be collected and destroyed immediately after harvest and kept out of children’s reach.

Anyone showing signs of suspected poisoning should be taken to the nearest medical facility immediately for emergency treatment rather than waiting or attempting home remedies.