Why You Can't Import The National Fruit Of Jamaica Into The US
NEWS
By CLARISSA HAMLIN
Ackee, the national fruit of Jamaica, is illegal in the U.S. This is because it can be lethal if it isn't ripe yet, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The fruit's rind and seeds contain hypoglycin A, a dangerous toxin that the FDA considers "heat stable," meaning it can survive during the cooking process.
Per the FDA, ackee can contain up to 100 parts per million of hypoglycin A and be safe to eat; more than that is unsafe. The total overall amount depends on ripeness.
A ripe ackee's rind splits open naturally to reveal arils, or edible pale yellow parts. If the fruit remains closed or there are discolored arils, it is unsafe and poisonous.
