Health Canada has issued an advisory regarding apricot kernels. According to this advisory eating “more than a few” bitter apricot kernels puts people at risk of cyanide poisoning.
Bitter apricot kernels contain a naturally occurring chemical called amygdalin, often found in a substance called laetrile and marketed as vitamin B17.
Amygdalin can release cyanide after it’s eaten. The human body can get rid of small amounts of cyanide, Health Canada said, but more than a few of the kernels can lead to toxic amounts.
Health Canada is advising those who choose to consume bitter apricot kernels to limit their consumption to no more than three kernels per day for adults, ground and mixed with other foods, and children should not eat the bitter kernels at all. for more information visit http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recal l-alert-rappel-avis/hcsc/ 2017/65316a-eng.php
