Consumption of certain apricot kernel products packed by Wah Yan Tong may cause cyanide poisoning
- Starting date:
- March 16, 2021
- Type of communication:
- Advisory
- Alert sub-type:
- Food Safety Warning
- Subcategory:
- Other
- Hazard classification:
- --
- Source of recall:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Recalling firm:
- Wah Yan Tong
- Distribution:
- National
- Extent of the product distribution:
- Retail
Last updated: 2021-03-16
Advisory details
Ottawa, March 16, 2021 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume the products described below due to natural toxin amygdalin. Consumers should not consume the products described below as they contain excessive amygdalin which may cause acute cyanide poisoning.
Products
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Codes |
---|---|---|---|---|
None (Chinese characters only) | Bitter Apricot Kernels | 150 g | 6 28110 69950 3 | Best Before 2021/09/30 |
None (Chinese characters only) | Sweet Apricot Kernels | 150 g | 6 28110 69948 0 | Best Before 2020/12/31 |
What you should do
If you think you became sick from consuming a food product, call your doctor.
Check to see if you have the affected products in your home. If the affected products are in your home, do not consume them.
Apricot kernels naturally contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide after being eaten. The human body can eliminate small amounts of cyanide, but larger amounts can result in cyanide poisoning, which could lead to death.
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.
- Cyanide in apricot kernels
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Who is affected
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.
Background
This warning was triggered by CFIA test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of these or other products. If products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through a Food Recall Warning.
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