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Food Focus May 2006

NEWS IN BRIEF

Apricot kernel warning

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) has issued a reminder to consumers of the risks associated with eating apricot kernels, which are sometimes marketed as a health food.

“A number of foods we eat – including green potatoes, kidney beans, rhubarb leaves and apple and pear seeds – can contain toxins and be harmful and cause sickness if taken in sufficient amounts,” says NZFSA’s Executive Director Dr Andrew McKenzie.

Toxins sometimes occur naturally in plants or may be produced as a natural response by the plants to ward off insects or protect the produce from spoilage if, for example, they are damaged by weather, handling, ultraviolet light or microbes.

Apricot kernels are particularly risky and can contain cyanide. They can cause poisoning if more than the recommended number are taken, leading to headaches, dizziness, confusion, convulsions, comas, and possibly even death. NZFSA recommends people do not eat more than 1 to 2 kernels a day.

As cyanide is naturally produced by the fruit, the amounts in any particular kernel can be hard to predict or control. Levels may vary depending on growing conditions. NZFSA advises that consumers to follow the guidelines on natural toxins in food, available on our website: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/consumers/food- safety-topics/chemicals-infood/natural-toxins/index.htm

Changes to high risk foods list

NZFSA is considering removing canned tomatoes, canned mushrooms, snails, coconut, dried dates and copper tableware from the prescribed (high risk) foods list. The move would mean that they will no longer be subject to monitoring at New Zealand’s borders.

A decision will be based on the individual compliance history of each product, reasons for its initial listing the level of risk each product may present. Alignment with Australian import requirements is also a consideration.

Updates will be uploaded to NZFSA’s import webpage: www.nzfsa.govt.nz/imported-food.