ARKANSAS, USA — On November, 29, Arkansas Third District Congressman, Steve Womack introduced a new safety act that prohibits the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates. The legislation would also require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination.
The act is named after Stephen Hacala, the Fayetteville man who died from intoxication caused by eating morphine-laced poppy seeds that he had purchased from Amazon back in 2016.
“Stephen Hacala Jr.'s life was cut tragically short because our nation's drug laws haven't kept pace with the current realities and challenges we face. His family has used their grief to advocate for change surrounding the dangers of unwashed poppy seeds, which can be laced with lethal substances," said Congressman Womack.
Officials say while" most poppy seeds are harmless," some manufacturers sell seeds laced with morphine at a much higher cost than regular seeds. The deaths of 20 other Americans have been reported from overdosing on these seeds that were sold directly to them.
The act will ensure there are FDA regulations that prohibit these kinds of poppy seeds from being sold to unknowing consumers.
"Prohibiting the sale of this harmful product not only ensures the safety of American consumers, but it also prevents another family from experiencing this heartbreaking tragedy," said Congressman Womack.
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