White Paper: Challenging the Poppy Seed Defense

“The ‘poppy seed defense,” or the claim that ingesting poppy seeds is the reason for a failed drug test, has long been used to challenge opiate drug test results. To date, there is limited published research regarding the impact of poppy seed consumption on opiate drug test results in controlled studies – especially in alternative testing matrices such as oral fluid. We know poppy seeds contain opiates, specifically morphine and codeine. Ultimately, what employers want to understand is: Can eating poppy seeds produce a positive drug test for a job applicant or employee? ‘As SAMHSA looks to add oral fluid testing to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs, it will be important to understand the potential impact of poppy seed consumption on these drug tests,’ said Dr. Barry Sample, Director of Science and Technology, Quest Diagnostics.”