The Everything but The Bagel seasoning mix from Trader Joe’s is a beloved staple in many American households. However, this seemingly innocent blend of garlic, onion, and poppy seeds has sparked controversy in South Korea.
Travelers attempting to bring this popular seasoning into South Korea have faced confiscations by authorities. The reason? Food items containing poppy seeds, including the infamous bagel seasoning, are considered contraband in the country, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy.
Poppy seeds, while not opiates themselves, can be contaminated during harvesting. The varying levels of contamination make it difficult to determine the presence of opiates in products like seasonings. South Korea’s strict laws categorize poppy seeds as narcotics, leading to the ban.
Michelle Carlin, an expert in toxicology and forensic chemistry, highlights the risks associated with poppy seed consumption. Despite the low probability of a seasoning mix causing a positive drug test, South Korea upholds its ban on poppy seeds to prevent any potential issues.
Global Restrictions and Regulations
South Korea is one of the few countries with stringent regulations on poppy seeds. Alongside South Korea, the United Arab Emirates also prohibits poppy seeds, while Singapore mandates opiate testing for imported seeds.
Interestingly, the United States has experienced conflicting views on poppy seeds. In a recent development, the Department of Defense cautioned military personnel about the risks of consuming poppy seeds leading to positive drug tests, despite prior instances of serving poppy seed products in military meals.
