The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking for industry input about the growth, harvesting, processing, and distribution of poppy seeds, specifically focusing on practices that minimize their opiate alkaloid content. This request for information is due to reports of health issues linked to poppy seed products, including cases where homemade "poppy seed tea" has been connected to serious harm and deaths. The FDA seeks to understand current practices and consider possible future actions to ensure that poppy seed products are safe for consumption. Public comments on this matter are invited until April 15, 2025, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or via written submissions.
Simple Explanation
The FDA wants to know how poppy seeds are grown and made ready for people to eat, and they're asking people who know about it to share their ideas because some poppy seed products have made people sick.