Packs of organic apricot kernels have been withdrawn because wrong labels fail to warn of cyanide poisoning risk if too many are eaten.
The Food Standards Agency recommends no more than two kernels are eaten a day because of a long-term build up of cyanide, a natural toxin in apricot kernels.
But 175g packs of organic apricot kernels from Ireland-based Nua Naturals have been wrongly labelled, advising consumers to eat 'no more than three to five kernels daily.'
Sold through health food stores, apricot kernels, like most nuts and seeds, are packed with nutrients such as amygdalin, or vitamin B17 which many claim attacks cancer cells.
They have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve coughs, asthma and improve bowel function. But when metabolised, amygdalin produces hydrogen cyanide.
Although amygdalin is found in apple, grape, cherry, peach and nectarine pips, only apricot kernels have such high concentrations.
The FSA said: 'Nua Naturals is recalling batches of Organic Apricot Kernels as the recommended usage on the label incorrectly advises to consume 'No more than three to five kernels daily.'
'We advise consumption of bitter apricot kernels should not exceed one to two kernels per adult per day due to potential acute and long term toxic effects associated with cyanide, which is found as a natural toxin in bitter apricot kernels.
'Due to the potential acute and long term toxic effects associated with cyanide, the FSA advises that the consumption of apricot kernels should not exceed one to two kernels per adult per day, as doses above this could cause an acute health risk.
'Nua Naturals has recalled the above products and issued point-of-sale notices to stores selling the products, requesting customers who have bought this product to return it to the store of purchase.
'Consumers are advised not to consume any of the above product, and return the affected products to the store of purchase.'
