Drug test and poppy seeds

[Neobamboom]

I've heard that poppy seeds can cause you to fail a drug test, because the seed appears as a drug. I don't know if that is just a myth or if it is true. If it is true however, are there other foods that can cause you to fail the drug test? I have to take a drug test this afternoon and don't want to fail because of last night's pizza. Sorry for the dumb question.

Thanks.

[sbrad]

I've heard that poppy seeds can cause you to fail a drug test, because the seed appears as a drug. I don't know if that is just a myth or if it is true. If it is true however, are there other foods that can cause you to fail the drug test? I have to take a drug test this afternoon and don't want to fail because of last night's pizza. Sorry for the dumb question.

Thanks.

They tested this one on Myth Busters on the Discovery Channel last season. The answer is yes, in high amounts it can show up in a drug screen.
Of course everyone already knew this because of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine failed her drug test after eating poppy seed bagles.

[Strijder]

Could you define "high amounts", sbrad? I'm curious if it's like the lab rats that were fed their body weight in artificial sweetener before developing cancer, or if a casual bagel or two would affect it.

[sbrad]

Could you define "high amounts", sbrad? I'm curious if it's like the lab rats that were fed their body weight in artificial sweetener before developing cancer, or if a casual bagel or two would affect it.

Sure can't. I don't remember how many he ate.

[SeVere]

I still WILL NOT eat poppy seed hot dog buns out of concern for failure of a drug test. I don't trust them and if I know false positives are possible by eating a type of food, I avoid that food.

[rudegyal]

I love poppy seed dressing its the only kind I eat with my salads, and eat the bread often, nice to know this now. Wonder how long it takes for it to exit the system :eek:

[scott715us]

It probably has to be pretty high amounts. I wouldn't think just eating a poppy seed bagle would make you fail a drug screen, but hell, I don't know for sure. I don't think I've ever had em. :rolleyes:

[SeVere]

But would you want to take that chance? Not Me.

[Wifeofadeputy]

There are actually several over the counter drugs that can produce 'false positives' as well. Most of the time tho, when you go for drug screening, youll be asked about any meds youve taken within a certain time frame. I'd still avoid the poppy seeds tho... as even just a single slice of poppy bread, or a poppy bagel can produce that false pos.


Edited to say, finding out how long something stays in your system is easy enough to find on the web, but I dont think its particularly wise to post.

[DltUNH]

Well no more lemon poppy seed muffins for me....

[Neobamboom]

Are there any other foods besides poppy seeds that could create a false positive?

[Wifeofadeputy]

Well, anything containing hemp oil... but lots of over the counter meds can... from Ibuprofen to cold remedies.

[SeVere]

I am not sure of all the foods that can create false positives, but I do know poppy seeds have long been suspect.

I heard that some over the counter cold meds can cause false positives.

The thing with medications is you know you took them.

Food we all eat, but we don't know if that food product is going to produce a false positive.

I am against drug testing for this very reason. I wonder how many officers tested positive (I 'm sure its not a lot, but one is too many) and were fired but never actually did any illicit drugs.

[Wifeofadeputy]

I wonder how many officers tested positive (I 'm sure its not a lot, but one is too many) and were fired but never actually did any illicit drugs.

The answer is, a lot... and it affects more than LE. Many however, were reinstated, or sued and won.

[Neobamboom]

Since it sounds like the problems are more with OTC meds, I'm not as nervous. I guess I'll find out in a few days. Thanks for all of the information. However, any additional info would still be appreciated for future or other members.