Don't chew apple seeds warns municipality

Dubai - Fruit seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, a toxic substance that lends the seed its bitter taste

Responding to circulating social media rumours, Dubai Municipality confirmed chewing apple seeds can be poisonous.
The Food Safety Department said the fruit seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, a toxic substance that lends the seed its bitter taste. The substance is also found in bitter almonds.
Officials warned residents against chewing the seeds, highlighting that the municipality is keeping close watch on cafeterias and food manufacturers to ensure the safety of imported food items and juices.
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include stomach cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting and can culminate in cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, coma and death.
A fatal dose for humans can be as low as 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
Officials stressed that no harm is caused from either eating the apple itself or accidentally swallowing seeds without chewing.
They added that Dubai cafeterias and restaurants remove the seeds before making apple juices.
Officials urged consumers to remove the seeds before eating the fruit or making apple juices.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE