We were contacted on Friday, 28th of October by the Australian Health Department and instructed to 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. They remain the best quality apricot kernels available in Australia. All bitter apricot kernels contain varying concentrations of amygdalin and the same caution should be exercised regardless of their source.

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. We have been directed to organise a recall regardless of your product awareness. If your intention is to keep the apricot kernels, you are advised to exercise caution or return the product to us. If you choose not to return the product, please bear in mind the views of Food Standards Australia/NZ and the Department of Health, who are acting to protect consumers from harm. If you choose to return the product, you will be provided a refund. Returns can be sent to:

ChiTree
P.O. Box 1022
Castlemaine, Victoria 3450

Please include your name and the email address used to make the purchase.

Sincerely,

ChiTree

Notice issued by Food Standards Australia/NZ