We were contacted on Friday, 28th of October by the Australian Health Department and instructed to temporarily halt sales of our apricot kernels. Raw, bitter apricot kernels contain a substance called, amygdalin, believed by some to be of therapeutic value. A constituent of amygdalin is hydrocyanic acid, which is naturally occurring and found in the seeds of common fruit and berries. It is the advice of the Department of Health and Food Standards Australia/NZ that hydrocyanic acid is dangerous when consumed in excess.

We know that many of you don't consume the kernels in their raw state. Cooking the kernels destroys the amygdalin content. For those of you using the kernels in cooking, as a food seasoning, for pressing oil or in cosmetics, this information should have little bearing. For those of you choosing to consume the raw kernels, it is our responsibility to advise that the Department of Health and Food Standards Australia/NZ have the view that they are potentially dangerous for consumption in their natural state. The risk exists, when consumed in excess, that a person will experience adverse reactions, such as dizziness, nausea or headache. In cases where large quantities are consumed at once, more serious reactions would be likely. The body has the ability to process small quantities of hydrocyanic acid safely and without adverse reaction.

It is our understanding that a customer presented to hospital with adverse reactions after ingesting a large quantity of apricot kernels and this is why ChiTree is the present focus of this action. The apricot kernels used were the apricot kernels we have always offered, and there is nothing unusual about these kernels in particular beyond the fact that they are the freshest kernels available. They remain the best quality apricot kernels in Australia. All bitter apricot kernels contain varying concentrations of amygdalin and the same caution should be exercised regardless of their source. The longer the kernel has been exposed to oxygen, the more depleted of its constituents it becomes.

It has always been our assumption that our customers, having made the puchase, are educated about apricot kernels and their many applications. Aware of TGA regulations, we have never made claims about or recommendations for consumption. It is a direct breach of regulations to sell apricot kernels with any suggestion, either implied or inferred, that apricot kernels are to be used therapeutically. In the opinion of FSANZ and the DOH, no quantity is appropriate for consumption and exceeding 2-4 kernels per day would present the possibility of adverse reactions. As a result of this public awareness campaign, our kernels are now specifically sold for the preparation of body scrubs and oils.

Sincerely,

ChiTree