Tag: Unwashed poppy seeds

In 2022, a food safety alert was issued in Australia following several hospitalizations from homemade poppy seed tea, highlighting the severe danger of consuming certain batches of poppy seeds. Understanding the potential risks associated with these tiny seeds is crucial for preventing health emergencies and legal complications.

Over 600 reported adverse events, including 19 fatalities and 20 overdoses, have been linked to contaminated poppy seeds in the U.S.. This has led to critical concerns and the complex question of why are poppy seeds not allowed in the USA.

Trace amounts of opiates were detected in urine for up to 48 hours after consuming poppy seeds. This fact brings to light the controversial question: Is poppy really good for you, or is the risk of contamination and false positives too high?

According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), food processing can reduce the opioid alkaloid content of poppy seeds by up to 90%. This means commercially processed and washed poppy seeds are generally safe for humans to consume in culinary amounts.

A recent food scare involving contaminated seeds sent people to the hospital. This raises a critical question: can you eat any type of poppy seed, or are some varieties unsafe for consumption?

According to the DEA, while commercial poppy seeds are legal, the sale of opiate-contaminated, unwashed poppy seeds can be illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. This raises serious questions about why shouldn't you eat poppy seeds, particularly focusing on the risks of opioid contamination and the possibility of failing a drug test.