Opiate alkaloids are a group of chemicals that can be produced by the opium poppy plant. Poppy seeds themselves contain little to no opiate alkaloids, but these chemicals can be transferred to the outer surface of the seed during harvesting processes. The misuse of poppy seeds, such as consuming poppy seed “tea”, has been linked to serious adverse events, including death. In general, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is not telling consumers to avoid consuming poppy seed-containing foods, but waring consumers about the misuse of poppy seeds.
For more information, visit Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds | FDA.
