CSPI supports bill advising FDA to set limits for opiate-contaminated poppy seeds

04 Dec 2023 --- The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has come out in support of the reintroduction of the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act by three US senators, which directs the US FDA to set limits for opiates that can contaminate poppy seeds sold to consumers.

“There are currently no limits for opiate contamination in seeds in the US, meaning improperly processed seeds can still reach consumers. When eaten, these contaminated seeds can trigger positive drug tests. When consumers brew poppy seeds into teas, concentrating the opiates, the levels can be high enough to cause overdoses and even deaths,” says Dr. James Kincheloe, food safety campaign manager for CSPI.

When approached for comment by Nutrition Insight, an FDA spokesperson responds: “The FDA does not comment on pending legislation.”

Meanwhile, the FDA proposed an updated definition of products labeled as “healthy” and a deeper insight into nutrient content. The agency also wants product labels to be consistent with federal dietary guidelines and nutrition science to help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.

Gap for opiates to creep in 
Poppy seeds are sourced from the poppy plant, which can be cultivated to harvest opiates like morphine and codeine. While the seeds do not contain substantial levels of opiates, they can be contaminated by plant sap and other plant parts that do have high levels of opiates, CSPI highlights. Proper processing and washing of seeds can reduce contamination. 

“The Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act will expedite and streamline the stalled FDA process to prohibit the sale of contaminated seeds by directing the agency to set contamination limits to prevent consumer injury,” Kincheloe explains.Plant sap can contaminate poppy seeds with opiates.  

“The EU recognized the harm caused by contaminated seeds and set contamination limits in 2022. Consumers here should have the same protection. These contaminated seeds are essentially over-the-counter opiates and should not be available in the US. We should not have to worry about failing a drug test from eating a poppy seed muffin.” 

Health scare averted
In 2021, CSPI and families harmed by contaminated poppy seeds submitted a petition to the FDA requesting that the agency set limits for seeds allowed on the market. “Despite the public health harm caused by contaminated seeds, the FDA has failed to act on the CSPI petition after three years,” Kincheloe emphasizes.  

CSPI supports the bill along with the Association of Food and Drug Officials, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Reports, National Center for Health Research and Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing. 

In addition, nutritional associations have “expressed dismay” following the FDA’s rejection of three citizens’ petitions to legally allow the marketing of cannabidiol in dietary supplements.

By Inga de Jong