Poppy seeds are integral to many baked goods, such as muffins and bread. Unfortunately, however, some sellers of this food item sell unwashed seeds, which could contain dangerous opium alkaloids that produce an addictive high. The Interesting Info about Unwashed poppy seeds.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has warned about making poppy seed tea, which may lead to dependence and symptoms of opioid use disorder when taken regularly. Poppy seed tea has even been linked with several deaths.
1. Amazon
Poppy seeds add vibrant hues and unique flavors to breads, pastries, ice cream, and salad dressings. Poppy seeds also serve many medicinal applications and act as natural pain relievers; tea from them can induce euphoria while decreasing anxiety; therefore, it is often recommended for patients suffering from depression and mood disorders. Furthermore, this seed is packed with antioxidants while providing high fiber levels and potassium, calcium, and magnesium content – making it a good source for daily nutrition!
However, before poppy seeds can be safely consumed, they must be washed thoroughly to remove potentially toxic levels of opiates that could cause opioid toxicity and addiction. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), at least 12 Americans have died after ingesting poppy seed products contaminated with opium.
Unwashed poppy seeds remain available online despite their potential for abuse, yet they are often purchased without proper inspection or processing. Such sources can contain other parts of the opium poppy plant – such as poppy straw – considered Schedule II controlled substances in the US. Once purchased, these seeds could be sold as raw material to create drugs such as morphine or be brewed into a tea that produces opioid intoxication and dependence.
While consuming one pot of poppy seed tea may have no adverse reactions, repeat use can have serious negative consequences on one’s body. When seeds are soaked and brewed together with water to extract their opiate content, more likely than ever, they’ll lead to intoxication and harm public health – consumers need to remain informed of these potential dangers of poppy seed products.
Parents of 26-year-old baker Stephen Hacala, who died of an opioid overdose after drinking poppy seed tea at work, have launched a campaign to get the FDA and DEA to crack down on companies selling unsafe poppy seeds. As a result, Walmart pulled these products from its shelves, and Senator Tom Cotton plans to introduce legislation prohibiting directly selling these contaminated seeds to consumers.
2. Sincerely Nuts
Poppy seeds are a trendy addition to baked goods, salads, and toppings, adding color and unique flavor. But they should not be consumed in large amounts as their seeds and pods contain opiate toxins, which have serious health ramifications; according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), more than 12 people have died after accidentally ingesting unwashed poppy seeds in recent years.
The Consumer Science Policy Initiative has asked the Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration to protect consumers by setting a maximum threshold for opiate contamination of poppy seeds imported into the US and implementing controls over them. They have further asked that random sampling and testing of poppy seeds sold through online retailers and border posts be conducted and prioritization inspections for distributors.
Notable here is that selling opiate-contaminated poppy seeds in the United States is illegal, and anyone found breaking this law could face criminal charges. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of these risks and accidentally consume small quantities. Hence, clinicians need to inform patients about potential harm from poppy seed tea, encouraging sobriety in treatment as much as possible.
Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge is cautioning consumers about the risk of poisoning from unwashed poppy seeds, which have become a popular culinary ingredient but have also been linked to several deaths over recent years. Furthermore, individuals have used them in illegal opioid tea production, which can result in opioid intoxication and even lead to fatality.
An Amazon customer recently bought a large bag of pumpkin seeds containing over 6,000 milligrams of morphine – more than 30 times what’s required to kill someone – prompting a backlash against these seemingly benign baking ingredients and an increasing call for regulation nationwide.
3. iHerb
Poppy seeds are an increasingly popular ingredient in many foods and beverages, known for their nutritional benefits and delicious taste. Aside from providing deliciously nutty flavor and protein, they also contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins B1, B2, and C, and help reduce stress and depression. Poppy seeds come from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant. In the United States, it is legal to buy unwashed poppy seeds that have not been brewed into tea; however, when this practice takes place, the seeds’ opiates become concentrated, which can result in an opioid overdose, resulting in multiple deaths over recent years.
Washed poppy seeds are safe to eat, while unwashed ones may contain fatal levels of opiate, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). A 24-year-old man tragically died after drinking tea made with unwashed poppy seeds purchased on Amazon; an analysis conducted by a toxicologist revealed that a five-pound bag of Sincerely Nuts poppy seeds contained over 30 times their lethal dosage containing 6,000 mg of morphine!
The Center for Science in the Public Interest is petitioning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prohibit the sale of unsafe poppy seeds currently sold in stores and online sites nationwide. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge urges people to remain vigilant when purchasing grocery store and kitchen pantry items that contain poppy seeds; small amounts are harmless. However, when combined with water to create tea from unwashed sources, they can produce dangerously concentrated opiates that may kill. Rutledge states.
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4. Nuts.com
Poppy seeds are an elegant finishing touch for cakes, pastries, salads, and bagels – an essential baking ingredient and garnish! Poppy seeds boast many benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, brain health support, and many others; however, unwashed Papaver somniferum seeds should never be consumed directly as this could lead to addiction and possibly death in extreme circumstances.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, 12 people have died since 2010 from eating contaminated poppy seeds containing enough morphine to cause a fatal overdose. Clinicians need to be aware of this issue to more effectively warn their patients against abusing this substance.
Following recent deaths related to unwashed poppy seed consumption, the FDA and DEA are taking measures to curb sales of these seeds. Retailers must clearly label their products so consumers can identify when buying unwashed seeds; additionally, both agencies intend to conduct random sampling and testing and prioritize inspections of poppy seed distributors.
Unwashed poppy seeds may be used safely as baking ingredients; however, dirty varieties can contain parts of the opium poppy plant, which are illegal to purchase for non-medical use in the US and can produce lethal doses of opiates when taken as tea. After an Arkansas baker died after drinking poppy seed tea to alleviate his withdrawal symptoms from heroin, there has been widespread outrage and calls for regulation of these seeds.
Though it may be impossible to ban all substances that get people high or alter their minds, it is vitally important for families to encourage sobriety and provide effective rehabilitation for those who become addicted. Unfortunately, people will always experiment with any inexpensive or accessible high. Therefore, education on their risks must be provided along with efforts at closing this loophole.
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