The shocking reason iconic Trader Joe's product is banned in South Korea

One of America's most beloved seasoning mixes has been banned in South Korea after officials classified an ingredient as a narcotic. 

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been prohibited after it entered the country's official list of restricted foods in 2022.

According to South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the poppy seeds in the blend might contain opiates.  

A representative from Seoul’s Incheon Airport said, 'Seed products with narcotic substances have always been banned from being brought into Korea. 

'Recently, the customs offices have been strengthening crackdown on narcotic related items.'

Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs including narcotics can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or fined up to 100 million won under the Narcotics Control Act in the country. 

Trader Joe's Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend has been prohibited after it entered the country's official list of restricted foods in 2022 

According to the Trader Joe's website, the beloved $1.99 item contains a blend of sesame seeds (white and black), dried garlic and onion, sea salt flake along with poppy seeds

As a result of the ban, travelers arriving at Seoul’s Incheon Airport recently have reported seeing signs specifically mentioning the Everything But the Bagel seasoning mix not being permitted. 

One such signage that was posted on X read: 'We would like to inform you that the following products containing poppy seeds are restricted from being brought into the country as "Papaver Somniferum L", an ingredient of the poppy family designated as narcotic substance under South Korea’s narcotic drugs control law has been detected.'

In February 2023, the US Defense Department issued a memo stating that the eating poppy seeds can result in a positive urine test for the opiate codeine.  

These seeds come from a species of poppy plant called Papaver somniferum which in Latin means sleep-bringing which insinuates that  it might contain opiates. 

As a result of the ban, travelers arriving at Seoul’s Incheon Airport recently have reported seeing signs specifically mentioning the Everything But the Bagel seasoning mix not being permitted

Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs including narcotics can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or fined up to 100 million won under the Narcotics Control Act in the country

Opiates are known to be powerful compounds that depress the central nervous system and can induce drowsiness and sleep and is majorly used in painkillers, the most biologically active of which are morphine and codeine. 

While the seeds themselves do not have opiates, experts believe they can become contaminated with opiates contained in the milky latex of the seed pod covering them during harvesting. 

According to the Trader Joe's website, the beloved $1.99 item contains a blend of sesame seeds (white and black), dried garlic and onion, sea salt flake along with poppy seeds. 

Apart from being used on bagels, the mix is also used on grilled chicken, buttered popcorn, baked potatoes, creamy dips, pizza dough, salad dressings, pasta, mac and cheese as well as panko-breaded items. 

Other countries including Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have restrictions on poppy seeds as well, according to SFGate.