On May 24, 2024, the FDA warned consumers not to consume three Apricot Power bitter apricot seed products because they were found to contain the toxic compound amygdalin.

Amygdalin is a compound derived from bitter apricot kernels that can release cyanide when ingested by humans. This can cause serious adverse effects, and higher amounts can be fatal. Chronic consumption of amygdalin can cause nerve damage resulting in impaired vision, hearing, and balance. Mild-to-moderate symptoms of acute cyanide toxicity resulting from ingesting amygdalin include difficulty breathing, bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes, weakness, and lightheadedness. More severe symptoms include coma, seizures, stupor, dysrhythmias, sudden and severe decreases in blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, metabolic acidosis, and death.

Amygdalin (also called Laetrile or mandelonitrile) is sometimes promoted for the treatment of cancer, but is not permitted to be sold in the U.S. (see ConsumerLab’s article about supplements and chemotherapy.)

The products were sold online at apricotpower.com, as well as other online retailers and include the following:

• Apricot Power – Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-015 (California Select) -Net weight 8oz (227g)


• Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-016 (Organic Turkish Select) – Net weight 8oz (227g)


• Apricot Power – Seeds Bitter Apricot Seeds – NGR FY24-017 (South African Select) – Net weight 16oz (454g)

The FDA advised consumers not to consume, and to dispose of the recalled seeds. Consumers who have ingested these products should contact their health care provider immediately.

For more information, use the link below.

FDA Issues Warning About Toxic Amygdalin Found in Apricot Seeds

See related recalls and warnings:

Cyanide Danger With Certain Supplements, Health Canada Warns

Herbal Supplements Linked to Heavy Metal Poisoning