Woolworths and Coles supermarkets urgently recall Poppy Seeds pantry staple; Leading to the hospitalization of 19 people across Australia.

Batch Codes: 28622, 29322, 29822 & 29922

Pantry Staples from Woolworths and Coles are recalled from the market. The recall was announced after the health officials of NSW and Victorian Health warns about consuming large amounts of poppy seeds as a drink. For example, poppy seed tea leads to severe illness.

Hoyts Poppy Seeds 100g packets and 240g jars were removed from the sale nationally. Till now, 19 people were admitted to hospital after consuming brewed poppy seed tea across Australia. One patient suffers from cardiac arrest and two patients are under intensive care. People who have consumed large amounts of poppy seeds are suffering from poisoning.

The symptoms are cramps, abnormal movement, muscle pain, seizures, acute kidney injury, etc.

This recall is due to the presence of chemical thebaine said by Food Standards Australia. After this recall, Food Standard Australia announced that Gaganis Bros Imported Food Wholesalers Pty Ltd and other companies also issued a recall for their poppy seed products. Their products were available for sale at online, retailers. It contains the best before date from 01 September 2023 up to and including 08 November 2023, July 2024, and October 2024.

High levels of naturally occurring chemicals in raw poppy seeds may be reduced by proper cooking. Authorities warn that brewing poppy seeds in large quantities under specific circumstances can result in a narcotic, hallucinogenic, high.

The Department of Health in Victoria warned that batches of available poppy seeds, when brewed into a concentrated form, such as tea, have resulted in cases of severe poisoning.

Some of the affected patients have stated that the poppy seed tea they’ve drunk has an unusually dark brown color and a bitter flavor.

Consumer Advice:

Consumers are advised to discard the impacted product because if the product containing thebaine is consumed it may cause illness. Return the product to the store for a full refund. If you are concerned about your health, please look for medical advice.

The public has been given the following advice by Victoria’s Department of Health.

• The appearance of the seeds does not reveal which poppy seeds contain a significant amount of thebaine.
• Poppy seed tea users should be aware of the high risk of toxicity and take note that an unusually dark brown color and bitter flavor in the wash or tea after brewing may indicate extraordinary toxicity.
• If you encounter any hazardous side effects after eating poppy seeds, seek medical help right once.

For immediate assistance, dial 000. Dial (13 11 26) the Victorian Poisons Information Centre. For information and support to obtain treatment, call DirectLine at 1800 888 236 or go to directline.org.au