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CFIA Food & beverages

Consumption of certain apricot kernel products may cause cyanide poisoning

Issued March 12, 2021
Issue
Ottawa, March 12, 2021 - Industry is recalling certain apricot kernel products from the marketplace due to natural toxin amygdalin. Consumers should not consume the recalled products as they contain excessive amygdalin which may cause acute cyanide poisoning. The products have been sold as indicated in the table above.
Hazard description
Other
What to do
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor. Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased. Apricot kernels naturally contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide after being eaten. The human body can eliminate small amounts of cyanide, but larger amounts can result in cyanide poisoning, which could lead to death. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include weakness and confusion, anxiety, restlessness, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, seizures and cardiac arrest. Cyanide in apricot kernels Sign up for recall notifications by email and follow us on social media View our detailed explanation of the food safety investigation and recall process Report a food safety or labelling concern
Product
Product name
Apricot kernel products
Reference
ID
RA-62632