Health officials are warning the public not to eat Apricot Power raw apricot seeds after they tested positive for amygdalin, a chemical that can lead to deadly cyanide poisoning.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Apricot Power induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with cyanide poisoning from eating apricot seeds, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
FDA Warning for Toxic Apricot Power Seeds
In May 2024, the FDA warned consumers about toxic amygdalin found in Apricot Power® raw apricot seeds.
The FDA reviewed testing information from 3 samples collected by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and found them all to contain the toxic compound amygdalin:
- Apricot Power – Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-015 (California Select) -Net weight 8oz (227g)
- Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-016 (Organic Turkish Select) – Net weight 8oz (227g)
- Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-017 (South African Select) – Net weight 16oz (454g)
What is the Risk?
Apricot Power products with the lot numbers listed above contain “high levels of amygdalin,” according to the FDA. Amygdalin can lead to deadly cyanite toxicity.
Cyanide in Apricot Kernels
Apricot kernels are the seeds inside the pits or stones of an apricot fruit. The kernels look like small almonds and have an almond-like taste, but they contain amygdalin, which the body turns into cyanide.
Cyanide is a toxic chemical that can cause severe illnesses or death. Apricot kernels are sometimes advertised as a way to kill cancer cells, but there is no evidence that this actually works — and plenty of evidence that eating apricot kernels can be extremely dangerous.
Apricot kernels are particularly dangerous for children, who can get sick if they eat just a half a seed.
Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning
Mild or moderate symptoms of cyanide poisoning from eating apricot kernels may include:
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis)
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
Severe Side Effects of Cyanide Poisoning
Severe yanide poisoning can cause a coma, seizures, heart rhythm disorders, cardiovascular collapse, metabolic acidosis, and death.
Long-term consumption of apricot kernels with high levels of amygdalin can cause neuropathy symptoms, such as impaired eyesight, deafness, loss of balance, and sensory or motor nerve dysfunction. A lethal dose of cyanide can rapidly lead to severe hypotension (low blood pressure), apnea, seizures, and death.
Were These Apricot Seeds Recalled?
No. As of May 8, 2024, the manufacturer of Apricot Power has declined to recall their raw apricot seeds. The FDA had a follow-up call with the company to share the risks associated with these products. On May 24, the company continued to decline a voluntary recall, so the FDA issued a safety alert to warn consumers.
Do I have an Apricot Power Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Apricot Power induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with cyanide poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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