Amygdalin is the major cyanogenic glycoside present in unprocessed apricot kernels and is degraded to hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) by chewing. Hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) is highly toxic to humans. An acute reference dose (ARfD) of 20 μg/kg bw was derived by the Contam Panel for assessing the risks associated with the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels. Taking into account the reported levels of cyanogenic glycosides in unprocessed apricot kernels, the ARfD would be exceeded already by consumption of only a very few unprocessed apricot kernels.

It is therefore appropriate to establish a maximum level for hydrocyanic acid (cyanide) in unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels placed on the market for the final consumer.

Given the very fragmented market of unprocessed apricot kernels and the possible acute health risks for public health, it should be provided that the operator guarantees that all unprocessed whole, ground, milled, cracked, chopped apricot kernels placed on the market for the final consumer comply with the maximum level.

It is appropriate to establish the sampling rules to be applied for the control of compliance with the maximum level.

Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 should therefore be amended accordingly.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,