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Raw apricot seeds contain significant quantities of a
substance called, amygdalin. A component of amygdalin
is hydrocyanic acid, which is released upon ingestion.
Contrary
to the misleading implication of another seller online,
FSANZ has endorsed no raw apricot kernels as a food, nor
have any passed standards that have deemed one safer than
any other for consumption.
A
recent incident in Queensland involved a person who ingested
approximately 40 kernels at once. This quantity resulted
in hospitalisation and prompted the action to raise public
awareness of the risks associated with consuming raw apricot
kernels.
When
apricot kernels are boiled sufficiently and then dried
in the oven, the potential for toxicity is greatly diminished.
The longer the kernels are boiled, the greater the reduction
of amygdalin.
For
many of our customers, apricot kernels are used for different
purposes, such as pressing for oil, in the preparation
of body scrubs or applications that involve boiling the
product. These warnings have no bearing on you or your
applications. ChiTree apricot kernels remain the best
quality available in Australia.
It
is the advice of Food Standards Australia/NZ and the Department
of Health that raw apricot kernels are not suitable for
human consumption.
Please
use responsibly. If your intent is to use the product
internally, despite the warnings you've read, never do
so without the guidance and advice of an experienced health
care practitioner.
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