Packets of Morgenland sweet apricot kernels have been found to contain high levels of cyanide and have been withdrawn from the market.
The Environmental Health Directorate within the Superintendence of Public Health said that cyanide forms following a chemical reaction with ‘amygdalin’ which can be naturally found in the pits of many fruits, such as apricots and papayas, in raw nuts, and in plants such as lima beans, clover, and sorghum.
Eating large quantities of such foods may be toxic, it warned.
For further information, contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8am and 2.30pm on 2133 7333, call in person at its offices at Continental Business Centre, Old Railway Track, Santa Venera, or via e-mail mhi@gov.mt.
Product: Sweet Apricot Kernels Brand: Morgenland Weight: 250g Origin: Pakistan Lot numbers/expiry L162030 / 18-09-2017 L161948 / 13-09-2017 L162785 / 08-12-2017 L162786 / 08-01-2018 L170875 / 08-04-2018 L171781 / 07-07-2018 |
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