Today, Congressman Steve Womack, along with several colleagues, reintroduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit the sale of poppy seeds containing harmful opiate levels and mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a contamination maximum.
Congressman Womack stated, “The Hacala family of Rogers tragically lost their son, Stephen, because lethal substances find their way into our food supply through contaminated poppy seeds. In Stephen’s memory, my colleagues and I have created a solution to close an FDA loophole and ensure that only safe products are available for consumption. This bill can save lives and prevent another family from experiencing an unimaginable loss like the Hacalas.”
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro noted, “We need stronger safeguards against contaminated poppy seeds. No family should lose a loved one to an unregulated product that we know has the potential to be contaminated with a lethal amount of opiates as a result of how it’s harvested. A lethal and adulterated product has no place in our food supply. This bipartisan legislation is a critical step in closing dangerous gaps in our food safety laws, that allow unsafe poppy seeds to slip though, and ensuring the FDA takes action to protect the health of Americans.”
Senator Tom Cotton commented, “Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation’s drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still entering our food supply. It’s time for the FDA to act so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured.”
Senator John Boozman added, “The sale of unwashed poppy seeds is a threat to the safety of Arkansans and all Americans. This legislation honors Stephen Hacala Jr.’s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds sold online and families from experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal stated, “This measure would close loopholes that have allowed dangerous and deadly opiates to be sold online. Unwashed poppy seeds available for sale online can contain deadly levels of morphine and have killed tens of Americans. Our bill would ensure stricter FDA regulations and prohibit unwashed poppy seeds from being sold to unwitting consumers.”
Congressman Rick Crawford expressed, “I am proud to join my Arkansas colleagues in supporting this legislation and I hope it makes the changes necessary to protect individuals in the future from harm.”
Congressman Bruce Westerman remarked, “Because of negligent practices among poppy seed distributors, the Hacala family now grieves the loss of a loved one. Congress must act to ensure that the Food and Drug Administration issues the appropriate regulations to correctly warn the public on the level of opiates that could be consumed through contaminated poppy seeds. I’m proud to support this legislation alongside my fellow Arkansans and House Republicans to prevent other families from enduring the same loss the Hacala family is unfortunately all too familiar with.”
According to background information, while most poppy seeds are safe, some are sold with high morphine content, risking overdose. Stephen Hacala died in 2016 from morphine-laced poppy seeds, similar to cases affecting up to 20 Americans. Research led by Dr. Madeleine Swortwood revealed morphine levels in some seeds surpassing fatal doses. In 2023, the Department of Defense warned against poppy seed products due to contamination risks and potential drug test failures.
