1971 Iraq poison grain disaster

The 1971 Iraq poison grain disaster was a mass methylmercury poisoning incident that took place in late 1971 where seed grain treated with a methylmercury fungicide, which was never intended for human consumption, was imported into Iraq from Mexico and the United States. Due to factors like foreign-language labeling and distribution too late into the growing cycle, this toxic grain was consumed as food by Iraqi residents in rural areas of the country. Sufferers experienced paresthesia (numbness of skin), ataxia (lack of coordination of muscle movements) and vision loss, symptoms similar to those observed in Minamata disease-affected Japan. Though the official death toll was 459, figures of as much as ten times greater have been suggested. When it occurred in 1971, the poisoning was the largest mercury poisoning event in history, with cases peaking in February 1972 and stopping by the end of March.

Reports after the disaster recommended tighter regulation, better labelling and handling of mercury-treated grain, and wider involvement of the World Health Organization in monitoring and preventing poisoning incidents. Investigation confirmed the particular danger posed to fetuses and young children.