Poppy seeds recalled across the country due to a potential health hazard
- Replies 15
Due to a recent incidence of foodborne illnesses caused by a dangerous chemical, poppy seeds are being urgently recalled around the country.
Poppy seeds sold at Woolworths and Coles stores in Australia in 100-gram packets and 240-gram PET jars are being recalled by Hoyts Food Manufacturing.
According to Food Standards Australia (FSA), the potential presence of thebaine from unsafe poppy seeds has contaminated food-grade products.
'Thebaine may cause illness if consumed in large amounts. Severe poisoning soon after ingestion has occurred in some people who have consumed large amounts of poppy seeds,' the organisation said in a statement.
In light of the recall, NSW Health is recommending people not consume any of the recalled products and inspect their kitchens for poppy seeds.
A spokesperson for the health agency said: 'NSW Health advises the recalled products are not safe to consume and people who have purchased these recalled batches of poppy seeds should throw them out or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.'
'Reports of unusual and severe symptoms following poppy seed consumption have now seen at least 12 people requiring medical attention in NSW after developing poisoning soon after ingestion, with additional cases nationally.'
'Symptoms of poisoning can be severe and include muscle cramping, spasms, and abnormal movements. Severe symptoms include seizures and cardiac arrest.'
According to Dr Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, the potential health care hazards of eating the poppy seed products and the associated risks caused by the chemical traces were severe enough to warrant a warning.
He said: 'We are urging anyone who experiences any unusual and severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest Emergency Department. Call triple-0 for emergency assistance.'
Authorities in Victoria acknowledged that two people who had eaten poppy seeds had gone into the intensive care unit, with one suffering a heart attack.
Additionally, South Australian authorities are also on the lookout for poppy seed poisoning incidents, advising citizens to dispose of any poppy seeds following the recall.
'At least one South Australian is known to have fallen ill after consuming the affected poppy seed product. It has been reported that a number of people have presented nationally to interstate Emergency Departments (ED),' a SA Health spokesperson said.
'Consumers will not be able to tell which poppy seeds have high thebaine content by looking at the seeds and are advised not to eat them.'
Reiterating the advice above, we strongly encourage our members to check your pantries. If you or anyone you know has consumed these products, please contact your local GP immediately.
Stay safe out there, folks!
Poppy seeds sold at Woolworths and Coles stores in Australia in 100-gram packets and 240-gram PET jars are being recalled by Hoyts Food Manufacturing.
According to Food Standards Australia (FSA), the potential presence of thebaine from unsafe poppy seeds has contaminated food-grade products.
'Thebaine may cause illness if consumed in large amounts. Severe poisoning soon after ingestion has occurred in some people who have consumed large amounts of poppy seeds,' the organisation said in a statement.
In light of the recall, NSW Health is recommending people not consume any of the recalled products and inspect their kitchens for poppy seeds.
Poppy seed products, which were offered for sale at Coles and Woolworths stores across the country, are currently being recalled by Hoyts Food Manufacturing Pty Ltd. Credit: Food Safety Australia.
A spokesperson for the health agency said: 'NSW Health advises the recalled products are not safe to consume and people who have purchased these recalled batches of poppy seeds should throw them out or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.'
'Reports of unusual and severe symptoms following poppy seed consumption have now seen at least 12 people requiring medical attention in NSW after developing poisoning soon after ingestion, with additional cases nationally.'
'Symptoms of poisoning can be severe and include muscle cramping, spasms, and abnormal movements. Severe symptoms include seizures and cardiac arrest.'
According to Dr Darren Roberts, Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, the potential health care hazards of eating the poppy seed products and the associated risks caused by the chemical traces were severe enough to warrant a warning.
He said: 'We are urging anyone who experiences any unusual and severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest Emergency Department. Call triple-0 for emergency assistance.'
Authorities in Victoria acknowledged that two people who had eaten poppy seeds had gone into the intensive care unit, with one suffering a heart attack.
Additionally, South Australian authorities are also on the lookout for poppy seed poisoning incidents, advising citizens to dispose of any poppy seeds following the recall.
'At least one South Australian is known to have fallen ill after consuming the affected poppy seed product. It has been reported that a number of people have presented nationally to interstate Emergency Departments (ED),' a SA Health spokesperson said.
'Consumers will not be able to tell which poppy seeds have high thebaine content by looking at the seeds and are advised not to eat them.'
Reiterating the advice above, we strongly encourage our members to check your pantries. If you or anyone you know has consumed these products, please contact your local GP immediately.
Stay safe out there, folks!
.png){kind=icon}
