A nationwide recall is currently underway for a dietary supplement because it was found to have an increased cyanide content. It is a highly toxic substance that can cause poisoning.
According to a letter published by the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) on its portal “lebensmittelnning.de”, the company Bioherba Reichenbach GmbH from Reichenbach in Saxony is recalling the dietary supplement “Vitamin B17 (apricot kernel extract)”.
Recall for apricot kernel extract
Bioherba Reichenbach GmbH is recalling “Vitamin B17 (apricot kernel extract)” nationwide due to ongoing controls by the food safety authority in connection with the reference values and the “Novel Food” status of the active ingredients, as well as the product name (error in the original) .
According to the BVL, the product with the best-before date (MHD) 02/2025 and the lot number L030223, L030822, L030123 is affected by the recall.
According to the information, the item was sold through the pharmacy network or through the company’s online shop.
As part of a recall campaign, customers can return the affected product and will receive a credit note immediately.
The preparation should be sent in the original packaging to the following address: Bioherba Reichenbach GmbH, Greizer Str. 18b, 08468 Reichenbach.
Severe poisoning
Cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) is a highly toxic substance that occurs naturally in a bound form as so-called cyanogenic glycosides in some plant foods, explains the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) on its website.
During consumption and digestion, cyanide is released by the plant’s own enzyme β-glucosidase. Excessive consumption of foods containing hydrocyanic acid can lead to severe poisoning and even death in humans. (ad)
