What Are the Side Effects of Eating Poppy Seeds?

According to the U.S. Army, service members were once advised to avoid all poppy seed products to prevent false-positive drug tests. Understanding the full spectrum of side effects of eating poppy seeds is vital, as risks can range from inconvenient test results to life-threatening toxicity from contaminated seeds.

Quick Summary

Eating poppy seeds can lead to false-positive drug tests and, in severe cases involving unwashed seeds, opioid poisoning. Other risks include rare allergic reactions and digestive issues.

Key Points

• False-Positive Drug Tests: Trace opium alkaloids on poppy seeds can cause a positive result for morphine or codeine on sensitive drug tests, even from moderate consumption.

• Opioid Toxicity: Consuming unwashed poppy seeds or poppy seed tea can lead to severe opioid poisoning due to high levels of morphine, codeine, and thebaine, with potentially fatal outcomes.

• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions ranging from mild symptoms like itching to severe anaphylaxis.

• Digestive Issues: Ingesting excessive quantities of raw poppy seeds can cause gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, constipation, and, in extreme cases, bowel obstruction.

• Risks for Pregnancy and Infants: Large doses or unwashed seeds should be avoided during pregnancy and for infants due to opioid exposure risks; tragic infant deaths from poppy intoxication have been reported.

• Risk Mitigation: The risks are primarily associated with unwashed seeds and large quantities. Purchasing culinary-grade seeds from reputable sources and consuming them in moderation significantly minimizes risks.

Opioid Contamination and Drug Testing Risks

Poppy seeds do not naturally contain opioids, but they can be contaminated with opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine, and thebaine from the poppy plant's sap during harvesting. While most commercial seeds are washed, trace amounts of these alkaloids can remain, and concentrations vary based on factors like poppy variety and processing.

False-Positive Drug Tests

A notable side effect is the potential for poppy seeds to cause a false-positive result on opiate drug tests. Morphine and codeine from consumed poppy seeds can be detected in urine for up to 48 hours or longer, depending on the amount eaten and seed contamination. The likelihood of a positive result is influenced by the test's sensitivity and how thoroughly the seeds were cleaned, posing a concern for those subject to drug screening.

Severe Opioid Toxicity from Unwashed Seeds

A much more serious risk comes from consuming unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain dangerously high levels of opium alkaloids. Using these seeds, often to brew a potent tea, has resulted in fatalities. Symptoms of opioid toxicity include reduced consciousness, respiratory depression, muscle issues, convulsions, slow heartbeat, and pinpoint pupils. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrest and death.

Allergic Reactions and Digestive Issues

Other potential side effects of eating poppy seeds include allergies and digestive problems.

Allergic Reactions

Rarely, people can have allergic reactions to poppy seeds. Symptoms can range from mild oral discomfort, hives, and swelling to severe difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis, a medical emergency. Individuals with allergies to other seeds or nuts may have a higher risk due to cross-reactivity.

Digestive Problems

Poppy seeds are high in fiber, generally good for digestion. However, consuming large amounts, especially raw seeds, can cause adverse digestive effects. Excessive intake can potentially lead to a dangerous bowel obstruction or, for those with sensitive systems, bloating, gas, or constipation.

How to Minimize the Risks of Poppy Seed Consumption

For most individuals, consuming culinary-grade poppy seeds in moderation is safe. The key is careful sourcing and consumption amount.

Comparison of Washed vs. Unwashed Poppy Seeds

Feature	Washed Poppy Seeds (Culinary Grade)	Unwashed Poppy Seeds
Opioid Content	Negligible trace amounts	Can contain high, dangerous levels
Drug Test Risk	Low but possible, depending on test sensitivity	Very high risk
Availability	Widely available in supermarkets	Often sold through less regulated online shops or illicit channels
Safety	Generally safe when consumed in moderation	High risk of overdose, addiction, and death
Processing	Thoroughly cleaned and often heat-treated during food production	Not cleaned; alkaloids remain on the surface

Safety Precautions for Poppy Seed Lovers

To safely enjoy poppy seeds:

• Source Wisely: Buy culinary-grade seeds from trusted stores, avoiding unclear labeling.
• Wash Raw Seeds: Rinse raw seeds under warm water. Washing and heat can reduce alkaloid levels.
• Moderate Consumption: Eat poppy seeds in reasonable amounts; large daily quantities increase digestive and drug test risks.
• Pregnancy and Infants: Pregnant women should consult a doctor about poppy seed consumption. Avoid large amounts and contaminated seeds due to risks to the fetus; infant intoxication has occurred.
• Avoid Herbal Teas: Unwashed poppy seeds used in homemade teas are extremely dangerous due to unpredictable and high alkaloid concentrations, risking overdose.
• Drug Testing: If subject to testing, avoid all poppy seed products for at least 72 hours beforehand to be safe.

Conclusion

While culinary poppy seeds are a safe addition to food in moderation, understanding risks is key. The main concern is potential false-positive drug tests from trace alkaloids. More severely, unwashed seeds pose a significant threat of opioid toxicity and death. By choosing reputable sources, eating in moderation, and avoiding unwashed seeds and teas, you can enjoy poppy seeds safely. Consult a healthcare professional with concerns, especially if pregnant or facing drug tests.

Authoritative Source on Food Safety

For more on food safety and opium alkaloids in poppy seeds, see guidance from bodies like the European Union's official journal on food safety.

Sources

• Source Title: What are the adverse effects of poppy seed? - Consensus
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• Source Title: Poppy Intoxication in Infants and Children - JCPSP
• Source URL: https://jcpsp.pk/article-detail/poppy-intoxication-in-infants-and-children-hazards-of-a-folk-remedy
• Source Title: Poppy seed tea: Beneficial or dangerous? - Mayo Clinic
• Source URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/expert-answers/poppy-seed-tea/faq-20559907
• Source Title: Service Members Should Avoid Foods With Poppy Seeds
• Source URL: https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/article/3306336/service-members-should-avoid-foods-with-poppy-seeds/
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can eating a bagel with poppy seeds cause me to fail a drug test?

Yes, it is possible for eating a standard food item with poppy seeds, like a bagel, to cause a positive opiate result on a sensitive drug test. While the risk is low with typical culinary seeds, it is not zero.

Are all poppy seeds contaminated with opiates?

No. Opium alkaloids like morphine and codeine are found in the poppy plant's sap, not the seeds themselves. The contamination occurs on the seed's surface during harvesting. Commercially sold culinary seeds are washed during processing to remove most of this residue.

What are the signs of opioid toxicity from poppy seeds?

Signs of opioid toxicity from unwashed poppy seeds or tea include respiratory depression, reduced consciousness, slow heartbeat, and pinpoint pupils. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Are poppy seeds safe for pregnant women?

Poppy seeds are generally safe in moderate, culinary amounts for pregnant women. However, large quantities and especially unwashed seeds should be avoided due to the potential for opioid exposure, which can affect the fetus.

How can I reduce the risk of false-positive drug tests from poppy seeds?

To eliminate the risk of a false-positive drug test, it is best to avoid consuming all poppy seed-containing foods for at least 48-72 hours before the test. Additionally, stick to high-quality, washed seeds from reputable sources.

Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to poppy seeds?

Yes, allergic reactions to poppy seeds, though rare, can occur. Symptoms can range from mild, such as itching or hives, to severe anaphylaxis. People with other seed or nut allergies may be at higher risk.

Is poppy seed tea safe to drink?

No, poppy seed tea is highly dangerous. It is made from unwashed seeds with potentially lethal levels of opium alkaloids. It can cause addiction, overdose, and death and should never be consumed.