What You Need to Know
• Singapore and South Korea have removed Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning due to poppy seeds.
• The seasoning tested positive for morphine and codeine, which are opiates, according to South Korean authorities.
• Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau reported over 20 online listings of the seasoning have been taken down.
Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau and South Korean authorities have withdrawn Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning from e-commerce platforms due to the presence of poppy seeds. Although poppy seeds do not naturally contain opiates, they can become contaminated during harvesting, leading to their ban in both countries. Last week, South Korean officials indicated that the seasoning tested positive for morphine and codeine, substances derived from the poppy plant. In response, Singapore’s authorities have urged consumers to dispose of any remaining bottles of the product, emphasizing the country’s strict zero-tolerance policy towards controlled drugs. The seasoning, which also includes sesame seeds, sea salt, minced garlic, and minced onion, was first introduced by Trader Joe’s in 2017.
Why It Matters
The removal of Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning highlights the stringent drug regulations in Singapore and South Korea. Both countries maintain strict policies against substances that could be classified as narcotics, even in trace amounts. This incident underscores the potential risks associated with importing food products that may contain controlled substances, as seen with the seasoning being brought back as souvenirs by travelers. The enforcement of these regulations reflects ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues in both nations.
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