CFIA warns apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
News Release

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume Our Father's Farm brand Ultra Bitter Apricot Kernels in excessive amounts because the product contains a natural toxin called amygdalin. This toxin may cause acute cyanide poisoning.

The affected product, Our Father's Farm brand Ultra Bitter Apricot Kernels, product of Canada, is sold in 227g packages bearing UPC 18122 91760 0.

This product has been distributed in Ontario and may have been sold nationally.

There has been one reported illness associated with the consumption of this product.

Bitter apricot kernels naturally contain a compound called amygdalin, which has the potential to release cyanide when the kernels are ingested. Small amounts of cyanide can be detoxified by the human body, but high amounts may be lethal.

Symptoms of acute exposure to high levels of cyanide may include headache, dizziness, mental confusion, weakness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

The CFIA is working with the manufacturer to remove the product from the market place.

For more information consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 / TTY 1-800-465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on Natural Toxins in Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, visit the Food Facts web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/concen/specif/fruvegtoxe.shtml

For information on receiving recalls by e-mail, or for other food safety facts, visit our web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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