Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)

Apricot Kernels

Product name: Aprisnax Australian Raw Apricot Kernels
Net weight: 1 kilogram (kg) per pack
Best before: November 2015
Place of origin: Australia

Presence of higher than usual levels of hydrocyanic acid.

Cyanogenic glycosides, which naturally present in apricot kernels, are relatively non-toxic. However, they can release hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic to humans, as a result of chemical reaction.

In humans, the clinical signs of acute cyanide intoxication include rapid respiration, drop in blood pressure, headache, stomach pain and vomiting.

The CFS has contacted the Australian authorities for more information. So far, there is no indication of any affected product being imported to Hong Kong.

For the sake of prudence, the CFS will alert the trade of the incident and urge them to stop selling the affected product.

The CFS will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up action.

Stop selling the affected product.

Consumers who have recently bought any of the product concerned abroad or online, or if they are unsure of the details of relevant product, should stop eating it. People should also seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the particular product.

The CFS press release

Website of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)