Is it Safe to Consume Poppy Seeds While Pregnant?
In a world where drug testing is becoming increasingly common, it's essential to be aware of factors that could potentially lead to false positive results. One such factor is the consumption of poppy seeds, a common ingredient in many baked goods.
The National Library of Medicine has issued a list of signs for emergency medical attention, and it seems that poppy seed consumption could be added to that list. Research suggests that poppy seeds may be associated with codeine-only urine drug test results, a finding supported by the Journal of Analytical Toxicology [1].
This association is due to the trace amounts of opiate compounds found in poppy seeds, which are derived from the opium poppy plant used to produce opium, morphine, codeine, and related drugs [4]. Even small amounts, such as those found in a poppy seed bagel, have been shown to trigger positive results in urine drug screening [1][3][5].
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has issued a warning regarding poppy seed consumption and military drug testing, and UFHealth reports similar concerns for employment drug screenings [5]. Forensic Science International published a study on morphine and codeine concentrations in human urine following controlled poppy seeds administration, providing further evidence of this issue [2].
In sensitive situations, such as pregnancy, a positive test could have serious consequences. The ACLU of New Jersey has filed complaints alleging that hospitals' practice of drug testing pregnant patients is discrimination based on sex and pregnancy [6]. Time Magazine advises pregnant women to avoid eating poppy seeds, and Cleveland Clinic lists poppy seeds as a food to avoid during pregnancy [7].
A case reported in the neonatology journal highlights the potential risks of maternal poppy seed tea ingestion, leading to ensuing neonatal abstinence syndrome [7].
In conclusion, poppy seed consumption is a known cause of false positive opiate drug tests due to residual opiates naturally present on or in the seeds derived from the opium poppy plant [1][2][3][4][5]. It's crucial to be mindful of this when consuming poppy seeds, especially in situations where a false positive could have serious implications.
In light of the association between poppy seeds and codeine-only urine drug test results, it's advisable to be aware of this when considering Health-and-Wellness products that contain salad dressing, as poppy seeds are a common ingredient. This connection between poppy seeds and positive drug test results is supported by scientific research, including studies published in Journals such as Forensic Science International and the Journal of Analytical Toxicology.
