Health alerts issued in multiple states as poppy seeds recalled

NSW and Victorian health authorities have issued warnings over "non-food grade poppy seeds" that have "incorrectly entered the food supply chain".

The national Food Standards Authority has issued a product recall for Royal Fields Poppy Seeds 250g, 500g and 5kg, available through Coles and independent food retailers across Australia.

The Australian product is being recalled after a Coles customer became ill after consuming the brand's products with a best before date of 25 June 2024.

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"Coles recalled this product from stores in November 2022 as the seeds may cause illness if consumed," the supermarket giant said in a statement.

"At the time, Coles followed all recall processes and removed stock from our warehouses and shelves. It has been identified that some units of the product were purchased from Coles stores in recent weeks."

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Victoria Health warns "these seeds are not intended for human consumption and are not safe to consume".

"This batch of poppy seeds is high in thebaine, and when brewed into a concentrated form such as a tea, has resulted in cases of severe toxicity," their statement says.

Authorities recommend anyone who has consumed large quantities of poppy seeds, for example as a drink, and experiences any unusual and severe symptoms should attend their nearest emergency department.

The onset of symptoms can begin soon after consumption of the poppy seeds, ranging within minutes to hours.

Some of these symptoms can be severe, including: severe muscle cramping, muscle spasms and abnormal movements, seizures, cardiac arrest.

Customers who have these products in the house are being told to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund and safe disposal.

In January this year, several batches of poppyseeds were also recalled from Woolworths and Coles stores across Australia.

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