The Center for Science in the Public Interest has petitioned the FDA, asking them to protect consumers from unprocessed poppy seeds. That ingredient can be contaminated with the plant's opiate residues and has caused illness, including strokes, and death. The regulatory petition was filed on behalf of six families who were affected by this product. The petition asks that the FDA set a "maximum threshold for opiate contamination and establishing controls on imported seeds." The poppy plant cannot be legally grown in the United States, so poppy seeds are imported. The seeds do not have significant amounts of opiates, but they are sometimes contaminated with plant debris. Processing must reduce that contamination to safe levels but unfortunately not all importers do this. Making things … [Read more...]
CSPI Calls on FDA to End Sales of Unwashed Poppy Seeds After 12 Americans Die
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is asking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the sale of unwashed poppy seeds and seed pods after at least 12 Americans have died after consuming these products. The agency sent a letter to the FDA in April 2019. Those deaths are associated with a type of tea that is made from poppy seeds or pods. CSPI President Dr. Peter G. Lurie said in a statement, "Poppy seed teas are responsible for numerous cases of addiction, overdose, and death. This little-known aspect of the opioid epidemic does appear to be worsening in terms of its toll. The FDA and the Department of Justice are aware of the problem but have failed to fully exercise their authorities." One man, Stephen P. Hacala, died after he drank tea made … [Read more...]
