RAW apricot kernels, which authorities say are unfit for human consumption, are being sold in Australia.
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Food Standards Australia New Zealand warns about the dangers of eating the kernels because they contain high levels of naturally occurring cyanide. But the Victorian company ChiTree is selling them online.
Cancer Council Australia says the the kernels, sold as an alternative treatment for cancer in organic food stores, Asian supermarkets and online, are a health risk needing to be banned.
''If you eat a large enough amount … you essentially get cyanide poisoning,'' the council's chief executive, Professor Ian Olver, said. ''Many people think that if it's derived from a fruit then it can't be too harmful but in this case it can be. These things are promoted as cures but there is no evidence.''
Recent tests of kernels sold by ChiTree to a customer in Queensland who became seriously ill and had to be hospitalised after eating them, found high levels of hydrocyanic acid.
ChiTree agreed to recall its one-kilogram bags of apricot kernels after the scare and shut down its website but has since resumed sales of its one-, two- and three-kilogram bags.
The company issued this warning on its website: ''The consumption of raw apricot kernels may result in adverse reactions. Raw apricot kernels contain amygdalin, which releases naturally occurring hydrocyanic acid. This is toxic in excess. It is the advice of Food Standards Australia New Zealand and the Department of Health that they not be consumed. Please use responsibly.''
ChiTree did not respond to inquiries.
Another company, Oznatureshop.com.au, which has been selling apricot kernels for 11 years, has temporarily removed the product from sale while it reviews their directions for use.
