On 16 December 2014, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) released a consultation Regulation Impact Statement for the risk management of hydrocyanic acid in apricot kernels and other foods. Consumption of raw apricot kernels poses an acute public health and safety risk for consumers due to the risk of cyanide poisoning (from the release of hydrocyanic acid) which can lead to death. The Consultation RIS examines whether measures can be put in place to manage future potential public health and safety issues. The consultation RIS considers five options for addressing the problem, ranging from maintaining the status quo, though to labelling options, and banning the sale of some raw apricot kernels. FSANZ undertook targeted consultation with industry and food enforcement agencies in 2012 and 2013. This work has informed the development of the options explored in this Consultation RIS as well as the analysis of the impacts of each option. FSANZ will accept submissions on this proposal until 10 February 2015. The consultation RIS has been prepared by FSANZ, and assessed as adequate by the Office of Best Practice Regulation.
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