Company refuses to recall apricot products despite FDA warning of possible cyanide poisoning

The FDA is warning consumers to avoid consuming Apricot Power products because they contain amygdalin, a toxic compound that can cause cyanide poisoning.

After receiving the complaint and sample results, the Food and Drug Administration notified Apricot Power of the results and initial concerns. On May 8, the company declined to recall the products. After further evaluating the findings, the FDA held a follow-up conference call with the company to share the risks associated with these products. As of May 24, the company continues to decline to voluntarily recall these products. As such, the FDA has issued a safety alert to warn consumers.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested Virginia Department of Integrated Laboratory Services analysis packets from three samples collected by the Texas Department of State Health Services representing the following products and found all samples contained the toxic compound amygdalin:

• Apricot Power – Bitter Apricot Seed – NGR FY24-015 (California Select) – Net Weight 8 oz (227 g)
• Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-016 (Organic Turkey Select) – Net Weight 8 oz (227 g)
• Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-017 (South African) – Net Weight 16 oz (454 g)

These products can be purchased online https://www.apricotpower.com/and other online retailers as well.

Analysis has determined that the Apricot Power products identified by the lot numbers listed above contain high levels of amygdalin, which can cause fatal cyanide poisoning if ingested.

Mild to moderate symptoms of acute cyanide poisoning from ingesting grains containing amygdalin include difficulty breathing, a bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis), weakness, and lightheadedness. Symptoms of severe acute poisoning include coma, seizures, stupor, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular collapse, and metabolic acidosis.

Chronic ingestion of foods containing high concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides can cause symptoms of neuropathic disorders such as impaired vision (optic atrophy), hearing loss, loss of balance (ataxia), and sensory or motor nerve dysfunction. Lethal doses of cyanide can rapidly lead to severe hypotension, apnea, seizures, and death.

The FDA advises consumers to stop using and discard these products.

The FDA advises consumers who have ingested any of these products of concern to contact their healthcare provider immediately. Even if they have not recently used these products, consumers should tell their healthcare provider which products they have ingested so that an appropriate evaluation can be performed.

If you or your caregiver experience a serious side effect from these products, call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical help immediately. Consumers should alsoState Poison Control Center.