Bitter Almond
Raw bitter almonds contain amygdalin, which produces hydrogen cyanide on chewing or digestion; ingestion of as few as 5–10 raw bitter almonds can cause severe poisoning in children, and 50+ can be lethal in adults. The FDA prohibits sale of unprocessed bitter almonds for direct consumption, and only the de-cyanized essential oil is permitted in food flavorings.
What it is
The seed of Prunus dulcis var. amara, which contains amygdalin that hydrolyzes to release toxic hydrogen cyanide.
Source of natural bitter almond flavoring (oil) after de-toxification; raw seeds not sold for direct consumption in the US.
Why it's flagged
- Raw seed contains amygdalin which releases hydrogen cyanide on ingestion
- Acute cyanide toxicity: 5-10 raw seeds can poison a child; 50+ can be lethal in adults
- FDA prohibits sale of unprocessed bitter almonds for direct consumption
What regulators actually say
"An acute reference dose (ARfD) of 20 µg/kg body weight, expressed as cyanide (CN), was established... Consumption of small amounts of bitter apricot kernels could exceed the ARfD."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Bitter almond oil (free of HCN) GRAS as flavoring under 21 CFR 182.20; raw bitter almonds prohibited
European Union — EFSA
EFSA 2016: hydrocyanic acid limits set in EU for flavorings (Reg 1334/2008 Annex III)
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