Apricot kernels, organic, wild, dried, raw, 100g or 500g
Under UK law, we are not allowed to let you know of any alleged properties of the apricot kernel. We have also recently been told by our local trading standards office that we can't link to web sites that give free information on this subject. We strongly suggest you do your own research.
We love adding a few of these kernels to smoothies, and even to other almond-based meals to boost the marzipan-flavour.
Our apricot kernels come from Turkey.
Food standards advice
On 17th May 2006, we received the following letter from the UK Food Standards Agency. Please read it to ensure that you realise you are fully responsible for the amount of apricot kernels you take. By giving you this information in full, we cannot be held responsible if you choose to consume more than the recommended amount, regardless of why you're taking them.
Bitter Apricot Kernels: Food Standards Agency Advice
Dear Sir / Madam
I note from your website that you sell bitter apricot kernels.
The Food Standards Agency recently asked the Committee on Toxicology to consider analytical data detailing the level of cyanide found in bitter apricot kernels found on sale in the UK. The COT is an independent scientific committee that advises the Agency on all toxicology issues, and following a discussion at an open meeting in March 2006, members concluded that the daily consumption of cyanide found in bitter apricot kernels should not exceed 0.02mg/kg bodyweight.
The Agency has acted on this advice and on the 11 April issued a press release stating that consumption should not exceed 1-2 bitter apricot kernels per day. I have attached this press release for your information. Bitter apricot kernels are foods, and in accordance with Article 14 of EC Regulation 178/2002 (general food law) as implemented by the General Food Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/3279) it is your responsibility to ensure that the food you sell is not unsafe.
In view of this you may wish to note our view regarding the consumption of this foodstuff and advise all purchasers to reduce their daily consumption to 1-2 kernels
per day.
Yours faithfully
What we think
Unfortunately, we're not allowed to comment on alleged medical effects of foods, and so we can't openly comment on what we really think is going on here because it's all intermingled. All we can say is that you need to do your research very carefully, take the above government advice on board and do what you believe to be true based on the information you can uncover. We wish we could say more, but we just can't, and we appreciate you understanding that.
