Consumption of certain apricot kernel products may cause cyanide poisoning
Summary
Do not consume, use, sell, serve, or distribute recalled products
Affected products
| Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apricot Power | Bitter Raw Apricot Seeds | 226.8 g | 7 528303 370840 | EXP0121 | National |
| Chen-Chen | Dried Apricot North Almond Seeds | 170 g | 0 20616 99366 4 | Best Before: 10.NOV.2021 | British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan |
| Double Happiness | Dried Apricot Seed Mix | 200 g | 6 26430 00016 0 | Best before 30/12/2020 | British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba |
| Earth Notions | Raw Bitter Apricot Kernels | 454 g | 6 89076 42028 0 | Best before: April 2020 Lot #: AK1803 Best before: April 2021 Lot #: AK1904 | Ontario and nationally through Internet sales |
| Natural Herbs Trading Co., Ltd. | Bitter Apricot Kernels | 100 g | None | 3106030 | British Columbia |
| Organic Traditions | Dried Bitter Apricot Kernels | 227 g | 6 27733 00900 3 | All lot codes | National |
| Surrey Natural Foods | Organic Bitter Apricot Kernels | Variable | Starting with 0 201614 | All Packed on dates up to and including 21-MR-12 | British Columbia |
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.
What you should 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.
Related recalls and alerts
- Consumption of Double Happiness brand "Dried Almond" may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of Chen-Chen brand Dried Apricot North Almond Seeds may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of certain apricot kernel products may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of certain apricot kernel products may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of Earth Notions brand Raw Bitter Apricot Kernels may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of Harmonic Arts Botanical Dispensary brand Wild Harvested Apricot Kernels may cause cyanide poisoning
- Consumption of Double Happiness brand Dried Apricot Seed Mix may cause cyanide poisoning
Additional information
Background
This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
What is being done
The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.
The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.
Details
Advantage Health Matters, Tun Hau Enterprises (Canada) Ltd., Chevalier Star Trading Co. Ltd., Earth Notions Inc., Natural Herbs Trading Co. Ltd., Surrey Natural Foods
Media and public enquiries
Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: information@inspection.gc.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca
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