On July 14, I purchased Trader Joe's "Fig Cake w/Apricot Kernels" (in a 9-ounce round, plastic container), at their store in San Francisco (555 9th St.). When I got home, something bothered me about the apricot kernels (listed as "raw" on the label)...didn't I read somewhere that they contain toxic levels of cyanide (like peach pits)?

So I searched the web, and sure enough, they ARE highly poisonous...especially when raw. (And they aren't necessarily safe when cooked.) Need proof? Just Google for "apricot kernels safe to eat", and you'll find these two articles (among others):

Article 1: Acute Cyanide Toxicity Caused By Apricot Kernel Ingestion

Article 2: Nutrition: Raw Food Toxins

Quoting from the first article: "A 41-year-old woman ingested apricot kernels purchased at a health food store and became weak and dyspneic within 20 minutes. The patient was comatose and hypothermic on presentation but responded promptly to antidotal therapy for cyanide poisoning."

(BTW, "dyspneic" means "Not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty.")

The apricot kernels in this Trader Joe's product are listed as RAW, making them the MOST possibly toxic, when compared to cooking them. (Though they may STILL be toxic, after cooking.)

I called the store I bought it from, and I hope they take that product off the shelves PROMPTLY. I also contacted Trader Joe's via their main phone number, 626-599-3817.

P.S.: Don't get me wrong: I'm a FAN of Trader Joe's...so being the bearer of bad news is an unhappy situation for me.

UPDATE: An "Amy" representing Trader Joe's got back to me (via that phone number above)...and claimed they are fully cooked, and thus not toxic. They have no intent to pull this product from the shelves. I told her that, at best, customers will come to believe that raw apricot kernels are SAFE to eat. She didn't budge, and thus I'm very, very upset. Instead of returning this item for a refund (it was only $1.69), I'm keeping it as evidence. See for yourself: go to Trader Joe's at 9th & Bryant. You'll find this "Fig Cake with Apricot Kernels" in the dried-fruit secion, in a small, clear plastic 9-ounce container.

UPDATE: 10 days ago, I contacted a local consumer advocacy group, "7 On Your Side" about this matter. They got back to me six days ago, but have yet to contact me further. What do I do next...hand out copies of this blog page in front of Trader Joe's? (And thereby get banned from shopping there? As the saying goes: "No good deed goes unpunished!" Whatever. I just can't get my conscience to hush up.)