Third Recall Issued for Apricot Seeds That Can Cause Acute Cyanide Poisoning

Beware superfood lovers. Apricot seeds may cause acute cyanide poisoning, according to the third recall issued in the last two weeks for the snack.

The latest recall was issued Wednesday by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which added the Double Happiness brand Dried Apricot Seed Mix to its recall. The product is made by Tun Hau Enterprises.

The earlier two recalls, issued March 11 and 17, were for Advantage Health Matters Inc.’s Organic Traditions brand dried bitter apricot kernels and Wah Yan Tong Bitter Apricot Kernels and Sweet Apricot Kernels.

All of the recalls were made because the CFIA found the apricots could have heightened levels of the natural toxin amygdalin.

At the time of publishing there had been no illnesses associated with the recalled apricots. The brands are not currently facing lawsuits, but Top Class Actions monitors recalls as they can sometimes result in class action.

“Consumers should not consume the recalled product described below. It contains excessive amygdalin which may cause acute cyanide poisoning,” the CFIA said in the recall.

Apricot kernels naturally contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide after being eaten, the food inspection agency said. “The human body can eliminate small amounts of cyanide, but larger amounts can result in cyanide poisoning, which could lead to death.”

The agency said 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.

The CFIA said the recall was triggered by CFIA testing. It’s conducting a food safety investigation which may lead to the recall of other products, and is verifying that the recalled product is being removed from the marketplace.

Apricot kernels — or seeds — resemble small almonds and have an almond-like taste. They’re typically sold in health food stores, Asian grocery stores, and on the internet as whole or half kernels, either pre-packaged or in bulk. They can also be sold ground, and may be used as an ingredient in foods and beverages.

Cyanide poisoning associated with ingestion of apricot seeds can be particularly dangerous for children, many of whom require intensive care, a 2010 study found.

In 2019, Health Canada announced it was establishing a regulatory maximum level for total extractable cyanide in apricot kernels sold as a food.

It said the level would allow Canadians to safely eat apricot kernels in a manner similar to other types of seeds and nuts, but warned that children should never consume them. 

Adults are warned to eat no more than three apricot kernels per day, and the government said they should be ground and mixed with other foods.

This apricot kernel recall is one of many recalls made in the recent years due to food contamination or unsafe ingredients. 

On Nov. 3, 2020, some of Miss Vickie’s Kettle Cooked chips were recalled from the Canadian market due to the possibility of glass being present in the food products.

Earlier this year in January a local meat company, Off the Hook Meatworks, voluntarily recalled its products after reports that consumers were suffering from physical and mental problems after consumption that may have been associated with THC contamination. 

Did you know apricot seeds can be poisonous to eat? Let us know in the comments!

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

TerrAscend Mouldy Cannabis Gummies Prompt Recall of Over 330,000 Units

Over 17K Infant Sleep Sacks Recalled in Canada Over Suffocation Hazard

Canada Roundup Glyphosate Cancer Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Do You Qualify: Dell Computers Tech Support Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation