Cabildo blames “human error” for distribution of potentially toxic Castor oil seeds

The Cabildo has blamed “human error” for the accidental distribution of potentially toxic castor oil seeds to island farmers.

77 packets of the seeds were distributed to farmers by the Experimental Farm in Tahiche, in the belief that they were pinto beans – which look similar.

The error has been compounded by the fact that the castor oil plant is called ricino in Spanish, a name very similar to ricina – the deadly poison that can be extracted from castor oil seeds, and which has been used in Russian assassination attempts and featured in the TV show Breaking Bad.

However, the Cabildo claims there was never any threat to safety, as the seeds were intended for sowing, not consumption. 69 packets have been returned, and farmers have pledged to return the remaining ones.