EFSA: Eating Apricot Kernels Can Lead to Cyanide Poisoning
According to new information released by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the consumption of apricot kernels could result cyanide poisoning.
Apricots contain a naturally-occurring compound known as amygdalin. The compound lives inside apricot kernels and converts to cyanide after it enters the human body. The apricot fruit itself does not pose any health risks to consumers, says EFSA. The kernel is the seed from inside the apricot stone. It is obtained by cracking open and removing the hard stone shell and, therefore, has no contact with the fruit.