Twelve bunches of toxic bananas were stolen from a farm in Murray Mount district in St Ann on Tuesday night.

Reports are that about 8 a.m., farmers returned to the farm to find that the bananas, which were sprayed with Topsin M 70WP (Thiophanate-Methyl Fungicide) and Karate Zeon were stolen. Topsin is a copper-based chemical which has a two-week lifespan for toxicity, while Karate's toxicity lasts for seven days and is passed by touching.

It is believed that the bananas have been distributed in the markets in Kingston, Brown's Town, St Ann and Clarendon. Consumers are being cautioned against purchasing green bananas.

If poisoning is suspected, do not wait for symptoms to develop.Contact a physician, or the nearest hospital or health centre. Symptoms include mild skin and eye irritation, dermatitis, itching, redness and swelling.

The Alexandria police are investigating.