Poppy seeds with the potential presence of thebaine linked to illnesses in Australia

Australia

Health officials in Australia are warning people to avoid eating and discard certain poppy seeds following national product recalls. A joint investigation between states and territories and food safety authorities found that the non-food grade poppy seeds have been sold as part of food grade products. Ongoing investigations indicate the presence of unusually high levels of a naturally occurring chemical (thebaine) in the poppy seeds is likely causing this toxicity.

As of 15/11/22, the Victoria Department of Health reported 11 cases of people reporting unusual and severe symptoms following consumption of home-brewed poppy seed tea. The onset of symptoms has been reported to occur very soon after consumption of the poppy seeds (within minutes to hours). NSW Health reported unusual and severe symptoms following poppy seed consumption have now seen at least 12 people requiring medical attention after developing poisoning soon after ingestion. Additionally, in Western Australia, 2 people suffered severe reactions soon after ingesting large quantities of poppy seeds in poppy seed tea. They have both since recovered.

Clinical presentations include the following symptoms: tachycardia, hypertension, hypertonia, clonus, unsteady gait, diaphoresis (sweating), limb stiffness or jerking, seizures, metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and cardiac arrest.

The investigation is continuing, with ongoing identification of specific brands affected. Given the uncertainties, consumers may wish to avoid consumption of poppy seeds purchased since September 2022, until the investigation has concluded.

As of today, the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand agency (FSANZ) announced several recalls of poppy seeds, including the following products:
- Eumarrah Poppy Seeds by Eumarrah Poppy Seeds by Eumarrah Pty Ltd sold at independent food retailers including IGA & direct from Eumarrah stores in TAS.
- Hoyts Poppy Seeds by Hoyts Food Manufacturing Pty Ltd sold at Coles & Woolworths nationwide in Australia.
- Gaganis Premium Australian Poppy Seed by Gaganis Bros Imported Food Wholesalers Pty Ltd sold at independent food retailers, online, and direct from Gaganis in SA.
- Poppy Seeds by East West Foods Wholesale Pty Ltd sold at Whole + Some Shop in Adelaide SA & Indian Spice Bazaar in Woodville Gardens SA.
- Royal Fields Poppy Seeds by Basfoods International Pty Ltd sold at Coles and independent food retailers in VIC.
- Uttam KHUS KHUS POPPY (BLUE) by FRESHCO FOODS VICTORIA sold in Asian grocery stores in VIC.

Sources:
Victoria Department of Health www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/health-warning-on-poppy-seeds
NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20221115_00.aspx
WA Department of Health ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Media-releases/2022/November/WA-Health-warning-on-poppy-seeds