Cyanide danger!
Deadly poison found in Asian product - recall ongoing
Created: 05/18/2022, 02:29 p.m
By: Yasina Hipp
Apricot kernels naturally contain cyanide.
© imago/CHROMORANGE
Dried apricot kernels are a popular snack.
The Golden Lily brand has now had a recall due to a dangerous amount of cyanide.
Munich – Again and again there are recalls of all kinds of everyday food.
Due to contamination with bacteria or broken glass, the products cannot be sold without hesitation, as they pose a health risk.
Affected customers can often return the contaminated products to their supermarket without any problems.
A little more unusual is the recall of the
Golden Lily brand
“GL Apricot Seeds (Nam Hang)” .
According to the company, a harmful amount of cyanide was found in the packs with the best-before date of February 28, 2023.
Food Warning: This is why cyanide is dangerous
Cyanide is the salt of hydrocyanic acid, which in turn is highly toxic, but occurs in a bound form in some foods.
According to information from the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, the hydrocyanic acid is released by a plant's own enzyme during consumption and digestion.
Excessive consumption can lead to severe poisoning and even death in humans.
Foods with a particularly high content of hydrocyanic acid include bitter apricot kernels and bitter almonds.
Munching just a few seeds is enough to trigger symptoms of poisoning.
The state office therefore advises against raw consumption of the kernels.
Strong and sufficient heating evaporates the hydrocyanic acid and apricot kernels and almonds can be eaten without hesitation.
"GL Apricot Seeds (Nam Hang)"
Expiry date: 02/28/2023
Content: 100g bag (bulk pack 30x100g)
Manufacturer: Golden Lily
Dangerous levels of cyanide in these dried apricot kernels.
© Liroy B.V
Cyanide contamination: Affected customers are refunded the purchase price
The manufacturer Golden Lily has a whole range of Asian foods on offer.
These are sold via wholesale and retail trade and also on the Internet.
Buyers of the affected apricot kernel packs can bring them back and get a refund of the purchase price.
Incidentally, hydrocyanic acid is not only found in apricot kernels and almonds.
Raw bamboo shoots and cassava tubers are also known for their higher hydrocyanic acid content, which is why the vegetables always have to be cooked first.