Tag: Unwashed seeds

Food experts and suppliers state that commercially packaged chia seeds are typically clean and do not require washing before consumption. However, preparation methods, such as soaking, are critical for safe digestion, especially when consuming larger quantities.

Despite originating from the opium poppy plant (*Papaver somniferum*), commercially sold food-grade poppy seeds undergo extensive processing to remove nearly all opioid compounds. This makes them safe for culinary use in normal amounts, though misconceptions and risks associated with unprocessed seeds persist.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), selling opiate-contaminated poppy seeds can be considered illegal. This critical fact highlights the importance of understanding **which poppy seeds are not edible** and the potential risks they pose to public health, even to those simply seeking a healthy nutrition diet.