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Notice

This archive of previously issued food recalls and allergy alerts is provided for reference and research purposes.

Users should note that the products listed in the archive have been subject to removal from the marketplace or appropriate corrective action. Food recalls or allergy alerts are not an indication of the food safety status of products produced at a later date.

Food Recall Warning - Consumption of certain apricot kernel products may cause cyanide poisoning

From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Recall date:
March 12, 2021
Reason for recall:
Other
Hazard classification:
Class 1
Company / Firm:
Advantage Health Matters, Chevalier Star Trading Co. Ltd., Earth Notions Inc., Natural Herbs Trading Co. Ltd., Surrey Natural Foods, Tun Hau Enterprises (Canada) Ltd.
Distribution:
National
Extent of the distribution:
Retail
Reference number:
14280, 14281, 14283, 14284, 14286, 14287

Recall details

Ottawa, March 12, 2021 - Industry is recalling certain apricot kernel products from the marketplace due to natural toxin amygdalin. Consumers should not consume the recalled products described below as they contain excessive amygdalin which may cause acute cyanide poisoning.

The following products have been sold as indicated in the table below.

Recalled products

Brand Product Size UPC Codes Additional Information
Apricot Power Bitter Raw Apricot Seeds 226.8 g 7 528303 370840 EXP0121 National
Chen-Chen Dried Apricot North Almond Seeds 170 g 0 20616 99366 4 Best Before: 10.NOV.2021 British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan
Double Happiness Dried Apricot Seed Mix 200 g 6 26430 00016 0 Best before 30/12/2020 British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba
Earth Notions Raw Bitter Apricot Kernels 454 g 6 89076 42028 0 Best before: April 2020
Lot #: AK1803 Best before: April 2021
Lot #: AK1904
Ontario and nationally through Internet sales
Natural Herbs Trading Co., Ltd. Bitter Apricot Kernels 100 g None 3106030 British Columbia
Organic Traditions Dried Bitter Apricot Kernels 227 g 6 27733 00900 3 All lot codes National
Surrey Natural Foods Organic Bitter Apricot Kernels Variable Starting with 0 201614 All Packed on dates up to and including 21-MR-12 British Columbia

What you should do

If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.

Check to see if you have the recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.

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.

Background

This recall was triggered by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) test results. The CFIA is conducting a food safety investigation, which may lead to the recall of other products. If other high-risk products are recalled, the CFIA will notify the public through updated Food Recall Warnings.

The CFIA is verifying that industry is removing the recalled products from the marketplace.

Illnesses

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

Product photos

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Public enquiries and media

Public enquiries
Toll-free: 1-800-442-2342 (Canada and U.S.)
Telephone: 1-613-773-2342 (local or international)
Email: information@inspection.gc.ca
Media relations
Telephone: 613-773-6600
Email: cfia.media.acia@inspection.gc.ca
Date modified: