Recall due to health hazard hydrocyanic acid in organic apricot kernels

Recall of "Organic Bitter Apricot Kernels" because of too high hydrocyanic acid content

The company Gesund & Leben from Stockach (Baden-Württemberg) has started a callback for the product "Organic Bitter Apricot Kernels". High levels of toxic hydrocyanic acid have been found in the cores. Especially for children, this substance can be dangerous.

Health hazard can not be excluded

The company Gesund & Leben from Stockach in Baden-Württemberg recalls the product "Organic Bitter Apricot Kernels". According to a report from the internet portal "produktwarnung.eu", highly concentrated levels of hydrogen cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) are detected in the cores as part of a market inspection. According to the information, a health risk in the consumption of these apricot kernels can not be excluded.

High levels of hydrocyanic acid have been detected in apricot kernels of Gesund & Leben. Consumption of these seeds is not recommended. (Image: M. Schuppich / fotolia.com)

Purchase price will be refunded

Affected by the recall are therefore: BIO Bitter Apricot Kernels, Art. No. 37.720, content: 200g (4 individual packs a 50g) with the best before dates between 31.01.2019 and 28.02.2020.

And: BIO Bitter Apricot Kernels, Art. No. 37.722, content: 50g with the best before dates between 31.01.2019 and 28.02.2020.

According to the information, the packs concerned in the respective outlets can be returned for reimbursement of the purchase price.

Natural toxin in bitter apricot kernels

"Hydrocyanic acid is a natural toxin in bitter apricot kernels. The release of the toxin finds e.g. chewing the bitter apricot kernels, "explains the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) on its website.

According to the BLV, the cores concerned were also distributed in Switzerland.

The Office "does not recommend this product to consume."

Hydrocyanic acid is highly toxic and, according to health experts, can cause damage to health, especially in children, and cause symptoms of intoxication such as nausea and respiratory problems.

Cores for cancer therapy

Some people use apricot kernels to prevent the spread of cancer.

But scientists from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have warned against such dangerous cancer treatments.

The cores form cyanide in our body, a substance that, according to a statement from EFSA, is toxic and may even cause death. (Ad)