Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/3/2006

Question
ive been studing about poppy seed and i found out that the plant is used for opium and i wanteds to ask if eating the poppy seed is also like a drug or is it bad for your organism?

Answer
Hi Josue,

Poppy seeds do come from the poppy flower and some varieties are used for both food and for making opium.

Opiates (morphine and codeine) can be detected in urine for at least 48 hours after one eats food containing poppy seeds. As little as a single bagel covered with poppy seeds could produce a false positive test for these drugs.

The amount consumed in bagels and other foods is rather small and it does not cause a drug reaction.  They add delicious flavor to a variety of dishes and do not harm you in any way.

I hope this helps.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension