Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has announced a national recall of poppy seeds, advising consumers not to eat affected products.
Brands affected are Hoyt's Poppy Seeds and Gaganis Premium Australian Poppy Seed, with FSANZ saying it anticipates more products maybe added to the list.
FSANZ is coordinating the recall due to the potential presence of thebaine, a toxic chemical found in unsafe poppy seeds.
Symptoms can include breathing difficulty, breathing more rapidly than normal, muscle spasms and unconsciousness.
“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. Recalled products can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund,” FSANZ said.
Reported cases of illness in people who have consumed poppy seeds have been reported in Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Anyone who has consumed the recalled products and experienced unusual and/or severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
State and territory food authorities are investigating the cause of the contamination.
