The adoption of new European legislation on opium alkaloids in food in 2023 has drawn the attention of researchers, public health authorities, and consumers alike. Poppy seeds, widely used in bakery products and desserts, are the main source of exposure to these substances, and the debate around their risks and benefits has become increasingly prominent.
Opium alkaloids such as morphine and codeine are natural compounds found in the poppy plant and may be present in seeds at varying levels depending on the variety, cultivation conditions, and harvesting process. While poppy seeds are nutritionally safe and have a long culinary tradition, contamination with high levels of alkaloids can pose health risks. Potential effects include adverse reactions in sensitive consumers and the danger of chronic exposure to doses exceeding the established safety limits.
A recent review of scientific literature and official reports, including notifications from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), shows that in some cases alkaloid concentrations have exceeded the thresholds set by European regulations. However, research has also demonstrated that culinary processing methods can significantly reduce the levels of these compounds. Boiling, baking, or roasting poppy seed–based products can lower morphine and codeine concentrations, thereby reducing risks for consumers.
Another important aspect of current research is the development of analytical methods to detect these compounds with greater precision. Significant progress has been made in green sample preparation and in validating methodologies to ensure more reliable results. Nonetheless, challenges remain. Presently, most detection methods are optimized for morphine and codeine, but other opium alkaloids also require close monitoring. Moreover, further studies are needed to understand how food processing not only reduces these compounds but may also lead to the formation of degradation products.
The conclusion of this review is clear: while poppy seeds remain a valuable and popular ingredient, controlling the initial concentration of opium alkaloids and applying proper processing techniques are crucial for protecting consumer health. At the same time, refining detection techniques and expanding them to cover all relevant compounds will enable more efficient monitoring and provide strong support for food safety policies within the European Union.
Source WILEY.