Singapore and South Korea Ban Trader Joe’s Seasoning Over Poppy Seeds

POLICY WIRE — Singapore/Seoul — Authorities in Singapore and South Korea have ordered the removal of Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning from store shelves due to the presence of poppy seeds, which are prohibited in both countries.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) issued a statement confirming the ban, noting that poppy seeds are classified as a controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Similarly, South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) cited national laws prohibiting the import and sale of products containing poppy seeds.

“The presence of poppy seeds in the seasoning poses a violation of our drug regulations,” said an SFA spokesperson. “Consumers are advised to check product ingredients carefully.”

Trader Joe’s has complied with the orders, recalling the affected products and issuing notifications to customers. The company has not yet released a statement addressing the broader implications of this ban on its international product line.

This incident underscores the stringent food regulations in both Singapore and South Korea, where even trace amounts of certain substances can lead to product recalls and bans. Poppy seeds, while commonly used in various culinary traditions, contain trace amounts of opiates, leading to their classification as controlled substances in several countries.

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Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)