Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds
About | Health Effects of Opiate Alkaloids | FDA’s Work | For Consumers
About Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds
Opiate alkaloids are a group of chemicals that can be produced by the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). P. somniferum can be cultivated for various purposes, including food (poppy seeds), ornamental use, and for producing pharmaceutical drugs. The milky latex from the poppy plant is the source of opiate alkaloids such as morphine and codeine.
While the poppy seeds themselves contain little or no opiate alkaloids inside, opiate alkaloids from other parts of the poppy plant can be transferred to the outer surface of poppy seeds during harvesting and post-harvest processing. The seed coat of a poppy seed has a pitted, honeycomb-like texture, which can trap alkaloid-containing dust from harvest and post-harvest processing. The level of opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds can vary significantly depending on the poppy plant cultivar, harvesting practices, and post-harvest processing.
In general, FDA is not advising consumers to avoid consuming poppy seed-containing foods. Although FDA is aware of some reports of consumption of poppy seed-containing foods being associated with negative health effects, FDA is particularly concerned about the misuse of poppy seeds. Specifically, opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds may pose particular risks when misused. FDA is aware that some consumers have used poppy seeds to produce a poppy seed “tea” that has been linked to serious adverse events, including death. “Tea” is a misnomer, as the beverage is a solution that results from rinsing the opiate alkaloid-containing latex residue from the outer hull of the poppy seeds using cold water, and not an infusion created by steeping the seeds in hot water. To date, FDA has received 11 reports of deaths purportedly associated with the consumption of homemade poppy seed tea.
Adverse Health Effects of Opiate Alkaloids
In general, FDA is not advising consumers to avoid consuming poppy seed-containing foods. However, as noted above, FDA is aware of some reports of consumption of poppy seed-containing foods being associated with negative health effects. Moreover, FDA is particularly concerned about the misuse of poppy seeds, such as the consumption of poppy seed “tea.” Like other substances, whether exposure to opiate alkaloids may result in adverse health effects depends on a number of factors, including the amount of opiate alkaloids consumed. Exposure to opiate alkaloids can result in adverse health effects, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchiness
- Constipation
- Dizziness and drowsiness
- Decreased blood pressure
- Slowed or difficult breathing
- Cognitive impairments (such as confusion, lack of concentration, and memory deficits)
- Respiratory arrest and death (in severe cases)
Continued use can also lead to physical and mental dependence (addiction) and tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
Vulnerable populations are at a higher risk of adverse effects, even at lower doses.
These populations include:
- People with hepatic or renal insufficiency
- People with compromised respiratory function
- Older adults (≥ 65 years)
- Pregnant individuals
- Children
- Ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine (people with genetic variations)
- People with psychiatric conditions
- People taking medications or substances that depress the nervous system (sedatives, alcohol, etc.) or decrease blood pressure
FDA's Work on Opiate Alkaloids on Poppy Seeds
The FDA is committed to reducing consumer exposure to opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds. Our work includes monitoring levels of opiate alkaloids, research, plans to set an action level, and communicating with other agencies and stakeholders.
The FDA monitors the levels of opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds available in the U.S. market through sampling assignments, surveys, and scientific studies. These data help us understand the range of opiate alkaloid levels and inform our risk assessments.
In 2019, the FDA collected 21 poppy seeds samples from products sold online and analyzed the opiate alkaloid content, including morphine and codeine, of such samples. Morphine levels ranged from 1 part per million (ppm) to 520 ppm (median 70 ppm; mean 120.4 ppm) and codeine levels ranged from 0.8 ppm to 255 ppm (median 85 ppm; mean 113.1 ppm).
Analytical results for the 2019 FDA sampling assignment.
In 2021, FDA examined the effects of baking, steaming, and washing on opiate alkaloid levels. Results showed that baking showed no significant decrease in opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds in poppy seed muffins. However, steaming and washing poppy seeds led to decreases in opiate alkaloid levels.
Concentrations of the opium alkaloids morphine, codeine, and thebaine in poppy seeds are reduced after thermal and washing treatments but are not affected when incorporated in a model baked product. Shalaka Shetge, Michael Dzakovich, Jessica Cooperstone, Daria Kleinmeier, and Benjamin Redan. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 68.18 (2020): 5241-5248.
In 2024, FDA developed a method to rapidly detect opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds. This research also served as a survey of poppy seed samples.
Rapid, low-cost, and portable detection of morphine and codeine on poppy seeds via a lateral flow immunoassay. Joshua Moskowitz, Betsy Jean Yakes, John Roetting, and Katherine Fiedler. ACS Food Science & Technology 4, no. 8 (2024): 1829-1833.
To gather relevant information, FDA issued a Request for Information (RFI) on industry practices related to poppy seeds on January 15, 2025. The RFI appeared in the Federal Register (90 FR 3873).
The FDA plans to publish a draft action level for opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds in 2026 to protect public health.
FDA takes a whole-of-government approach. FDA works with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Customs and Border Protection on issues related to opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds when they occur. Previous interagency communication has guided FDA's path forward.
FDA has engaged with industry, advocacy groups, and the public addressing opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 225-23-009 established procedures for the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, the former organizational unit to the Human Foods Program, and the DEA to exchange information regarding food products containing substances regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. This collaboration ensures food safety, regulatory compliance, and investigation coordination.
For Consumers
In general, FDA is not advising consumers to avoid consuming poppy seed-containing foods. Although FDA is aware of some reports of consumption of poppy seed-containing foods being associated with negative health effects, FDA is particularly concerned about the misuse of poppy seeds. Specifically, opiate alkaloids on poppy seeds may pose particular risks when misused. Consumers should not make poppy seed “tea,” as this practice has been linked to serious adverse events, including death.
Additional Resources
- To report a problem (adverse events) or submit an inquiry, please visit Get Assistance from the FDA Human Foods Program (HFP)
- To see our planned commitment to issue the action level for opiate alkaloids in poppy seeds guidance this year, please see FDA Human Foods Program’s 2026 Foods Program Guidance Under Development