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Health Products Regulatory Authority

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Ceisteanna (390)

Michael Collins

Ceist:

390. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Products Regulatory Authority has banned the sale of apricot kernels here with no evidence that this product can be dangerous (details supplied); and his views on the matter [30224/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Apricot kernels contain the naturally occurring plant toxin amygdalin, which converts to cyanide after eating. Cyanide poisoning can cause nausea, fever, headaches, insomnia, thirst, lethargy, nervousness, joint and muscle aches and pains, and falling blood pressure. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority in Ireland for human medicines. If the product information or promotional material for any specific brand of apricot kernels claimed that the product can treat or prevent disease in humans, it would have to be authorised by the HPRA as a medicinal product before being put on the Irish market. There are no medicines containing apricot kernels authorised by the HPRA and the HPRA does not endorse or support their use for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

However in many cases specific brands of apricot kernels will not make medicinal claims and may be marketed as foods. Where apricot kernels are marketed as foods and do not make medicinal claims, they are regulated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) rather than the HPRA. The HPRA is aware that the FSAI has advised consumers against eating apricot kernels due to the risk of cyanide poisoning and further information in this regard is available on the FSAI’s website:

https://www.fsai.ie/news_centre/press_releases/apricot_kernels_advice_12052016.html .

Any queries in relation to the marketing of apricot kernels as foods, the sourcing of foods from UK health stores, or the advice published on the FSAI website should be addressed to the FSAI as these aspects fall outside the remit of the HPRA.

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