OTTAWA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public not to consume Our Father's Farm brand Ultra Bitter Apricot Kernels in excessive amounts because the product contains a natural toxin called amygdalin.
This toxin may cause acute cyanide poisoning.
The affected product is sold in 227g packages bearing UPC 18122 91760 0.
The product has been distributed in Ontario and may have been sold nationally.
There has been one reported illness associated with the consumption of this product.
The CFIA is working with the manufacturer to remove the product from the market place.
Bitter apricot kernels naturally contain a compound called amygdalin, which has the potential to release cyanide when the kernels are ingested. Small amounts of cyanide can be detoxified by the human body, but high amounts may be lethal.
Symptoms of acute exposure to high levels of cyanide may include headache, dizziness, mental confusion, weakness, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.
