NSW new community warning: Severe reactions after consuming poppy seeds

After at least eight persons in NSW reported to hospitals with serious poisoning shortly after ingestion, NSW Health is alerting the public about the risks of swallowing large amounts of poppy seeds. There have been more interstate cases reported.

Only when someone intentionally drank poppy seeds have poisoning symptoms been noted. The following severe symptoms have been reported:

• seizures
• severe muscle pain
• severe muscle spasm, cramping, stiffness or abnormal movements.

According to preliminary research, raw poppy seeds contain significant amounts of a naturally occurring chemical that must be thoroughly boiled to be eliminated.

No incidents of poisoning have been reported in people who have consumed poppy seeds that were a component of baked goods, and the inquiry is still underway.

Consuming high amounts of this chemical found in poppy seeds can be risky, according to A/Prof Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre.

To further study the problem, NSW Health is collaborating with other authorities and the NSW Food Authority.

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