Ban on sale of raw apricot kernels

The sale of raw apricot kernels, which can cause cyanide poisoning, is now banned in Australia and New Zealand.

Some kernels are promoted as an alternative therapy for cancer treatment, but Cancer Council of Australia warns they're not only ineffective at treating the disease but can be very dangerous.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand says the food standards code change comes into effect on Monday.

The kernels, both with and without skin, posed an acute public health and safety risk, says CEO Steve McCutcheon.

"Raw apricot kernels contain cyanogenic glycosides, which are broken down to release cyanide when eaten," he said in a statement.

"There have been a number of cases of cyanide poisoning related to consumption of apricot kernels, with some consumers eating them believing they can help cure or prevent cancer, although there is no credible evidence that is the case."

The ban doesn't apply to apricot kernel-derived ingredients which can be shown to be safe to use as ingredients in other foods.