Bitter apricot kernels can cause cyanide poisoning in consumers: Health Canada – Yahoo! Canada News

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Wed Jun 24, 8:27 PM

By The Canadian Press

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TORONTO – Health Canada says consumers should avoid eating large amounts of bitter apricot kernels or products containing these kernels because of the risk of cyanide poisoning.

Bitter apricot kernels contain a natural substance that can release cyanide into the body. This has resulted in at least one Canadian having serious adverse reactions requiring hospitalization, the federal department said Wednesday.

Small amounts of cyanide, such as the amount that would be produced after consuming one or two kernels, are not likely to pose a health risk since the substance can be eliminated by the body without any ill effects. However, consuming more kernels could result in unsafe cyanide levels.

Canadians should limit consumption to no more than three kernels per day for adults; they are not recommended for children, Health Canada said.

Apricot kernels are seeds found in the pit (stone) of the apricot fruit. There are two kinds of kernels found in apricots, sweet and bitter. Sweet kernels and the flesh of apricots do not pose a health risk.

Packages of bitter whole apricot kernels can be found in health food stores and some Asian grocery stores. They are sometimes used to flavour foods or promoted as a medicinal ingredient.

Health Canada has not approved any product using apricot kernels for any medicinal or natural health purposes.

All authorized health products bear either an eight-digit drug identification number (DIN), a natural product number (NPN) or a drug identification number for homeopathic medicine (DIN-HM) on the label. This authorization indicates the products have been assessed by Health Canada for safety, effectiveness and quality.

Consumers concerned about symptoms possibly associated with the use of products containing bitter apricot kernels should consult their health-care practitioner.

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