Following a nationwide recall of poppy seed products linked to the poisoning, consumers are advised to inspect the poppy seeds in their kitchens. New South Wales (NSW) Health warns and informs the public that the recalled products are not safe to take, and those who have bought the recalled batches of poppy seeds are advised to throw them out or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
A collaborative investigation with other states and territories and food safety authorities discovered that the non-food grade poppy seeds had been marketed as part of food-grade products.
Various health warnings have been extinguished by state governments across Australia warning due to risks of spasms, abnormal movements, muscle cramping, and cardiac arrests because of the consumption of poppy seeds that comprise alkaloid thebaine, for instance, in tea.
The Conversation reported an estimated 32 cases of poppy seed toxicity over the past month, particularly in adults.
The thebaine poppy seeds
According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the standard poppy seeds utilized for food consumption are not harmful. These seeds are usually found in cakes and bread.
However, the thebaine poppy seeds that have penetrated the food chain are actually strains that are banned from entering a particular food supply chain. Furthermore, such poppy seeds can cause abnormal breathing or breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, and muscle spasms.
The Conversation noted that the Thebaine could gradually build up in the body if you consume it several times over the same day.
The NSW Health is currently working with the NSW Food Authority and other jurisdictions to investigate the issue further. The agency now scrutinizes how such poppy seeds have entered the food chain. Moreover, the NSW Poisons Information Centre can be reached 24/7 and can give further information regarding poisons and what to do in suspected cases of the said poisoning, Echo says.
Poppy seed toxicity
Poppy seed toxicity can cause allergies in specific individuals, which means this can be harmful to many. The food with poppy seeds toxicity, usually found in tea, can eventually lead to seizures or cardiac arrests.
Medical News Today suggests that individuals should limit the amount of raw poppy seeds intake to about 1 tbsps per 7 pounds (lb) of body weight, meaning that someone with a weight of 150lb or 70 kilograms should not consume any more than 7 tbsp of raw poppy seeds at a time.
However, such poppy seeds used in baking that come from the same plant and produce opiates which entail morphine and codeine, cannot be legally grown in the United States.
The poppy seeds purchased in a specific country are all imported from countries where the cultivation of poppy seeds is allowed.
Jennifer Silverman, a nutritionist based in New York City, told the outlet that poppy seeds are kidney-shaped seeds made from the opium poppy. Such seeds are typically used to add texture, flavor, and crunch to the food.
Poppy seeds serve as a source of fiber, making one feel full for longer periods. Such seeds also contain magnesium which helps with blood clotting and bone health, per The Healthy.
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