Trader Joe’s Seasoning Is Being Banned in Various Countries

Trader Joe’s “Everything but The Bagel” seasoning, known for its blend of garlic, onion, and poppy seeds, is popular in the U.S. but banned in South Korea as being a narcotic. Despite its popularity in the United States and a huge following, South Korean authorities classify food containing poppy seeds as contraband because poppy seeds can be contaminated with opiates from the plant’s fluid during harvesting. This contamination poses a risk of positive drug tests, leading to the ban.

Michelle Carlin, an assistant professor of toxicology and forensic chemistry at Rutgers University, explained that consuming poppy seed products can lead to a failed drug test due to the presence of opiate compounds, which vary based on factors like the location where the poppy seeds were grown, sunlight exposure, and plant hydration. Although washing poppy seeds can reduce contamination, it is challenging to determine if they have been adequately washed before being used in food products.

At Incheon Airport in Seoul, customs have been strictly enforcing this ban. Recently, South Korean authorities have intensified their crackdown on narcotic-related items, including products containing poppy seeds. Posters at the airport alert travelers to this restriction. The seasoning, popular for its blend of sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds, quickly gained viral popularity across social media after its 2017 debut.

South Korea is not the only country to ban the Trader Joe’s seasoning. Bringing Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning to places like Singapore or the United Arab Emirates also poses an illegal risk, especially for travelers.

Singapore requires anyone bringing in a form of poppy seeds to the country to submit samples for opiate testing. In the United Arab Emirates, poppy seeds are banned outright.

Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel Sesame Season Blend is available at Trader Joe’s and various retailers and generally costs $1.99 per 2.3 ounces.