Date issued: 15 November 2022
Issued by: Dr Angie Bone, Deputy Chief Health Officer (Environment)
Issued to: Health professionals and the public
Key messages
- Non-food grade poppy seeds have incorrectly entered the food supply chain. These seeds are not intended for human consumption and are not safe to consume
- Some batches of commercially available poppy seeds, when brewed into a concentrated form such as a tea, have resulted in cases of severe toxicity
- Anyone who has consumed large quantities of poppy seeds, for example as a drink, and experiences any unusual and severe symptoms should attend their nearest Emergency Department.
- A national food recall is currently underway to remove affected product identified to date. See Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) for the brands and batch numbers currently affected. Monitor this website closely for ongoing updates.
- 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.
- The Victorian Poisons Information Centre can be contacted 24/7 on 13 11 26 and can provide more information about poisons and what to do in suspected cases of poppy seed poisoning
- Read the full Alert: Health warning on poppy seeds.
