CNB investigating online sale of Trader Joe’s seasoning product containing poppy seeds

SINGAPORE – The authorities are investigating reports that a bagel seasoning containing poppy seeds, which are prohibited goods, is being sold in Singapore on online platforms.

The seasoning product, Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel, has poppy seeds listed among its ingredients, said the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) on Aug 7 in response to The Straits Times’ queries.

The CNB spokesperson said the bureau is investigating the reports and will take the necessary actions, including removing the items from sale.

Poppy seeds are classified as prohibited goods by CNB because they come from the opium poppy and can contain traces of controlled drugs, said the spokesperson.

On Aug 6, the South Korean police blocked the sale of the seasoning product on an online second-hand marketplace after they found that the product contained narcotic substances, The Korea Herald reported.

According to a report by the Herald, an analysis by the South Korean National Forensic Service found that the product contained poppy seeds and tested positive for morphine and codeine, both of which are controlled narcotic substances in South Korea.

Checks by ST on Aug 7 at 6.25pm show that the product was available for sale on popular online marketplaces Carousell and Lazada.

Any company or person who wishes to import poppy seeds or any foodstuff that contains these substances must file an application with CNB and submit samples to the Health Sciences Authority for analysis, added the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said: “Singapore adopts a strict policy of zero tolerance towards controlled drugs.

“The possession, consumption, importation, exportation, manufacturing and trafficking of any controlled drug, even in trace amounts, is an offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act.”

In its response, CNB said it would remind importers and retailers that any products or foodstuff containing controlled drugs, even in trace amounts, should not be imported for sale.

Anyone who has bought the seasoning product should not consume it and should dispose of it, the spokesperson added.

The public can contact the bureau at 1800-325-6666 for advice and help, should they come across other food products or substances suspected to contain controlled drugs.

They may also make a report to CNB at eservices.cnb.gov.sg/feedback