Health Canada is proposing further actions to protect Canadians from the potential risk of cyanide due to the consumption of apricot kernels. The purpose of this notice is to seek feedback on three risk management options:
- Option A: Prohibit the sale of apricot kernels for human consumption, including if intended for further processing, if they contain extractable cyanide. The prohibition would also apply to apricot kernels used as an ingredient in other foods.
- Option B: Establish an ML of 20 ppm for total extractable cyanide in apricot kernels sold for human consumption, including if intended for further processing. The ML would also apply to apricot kernels used as an ingredient in other foods.
- Option C: Prohibit the sale of apricot kernels for human consumption if they contain extractable cyanide, with the exception of processed apricot kernels with total extractable cyanide concentrations of 20 ppm or lower.
The deadline for comments is March 4, 2019.
Health Canada’s Proposal to Add Cyanide in Apricot Kernels to the List of Contaminants and Other Adulterating Substances in Foods