Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act

Bill 118 s 3354, also known as the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to address the issue of opioid overdose deaths caused by the consumption of foods containing poppy seeds.

The bill is named after Stephen Hacala, a college student who tragically died from an opioid overdose after consuming a poppy seed bagel. Poppy seeds come from the opium poppy plant, which contains trace amounts of morphine and codeine. While these levels are typically too low to cause a positive drug test or any adverse effects, in some cases, consuming large quantities of poppy seeds can lead to a false positive drug test or even overdose.

The Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act seeks to establish a maximum allowable level of morphine in foods containing poppy seeds to prevent accidental overdoses. The bill also calls for increased awareness and education about the potential risks of consuming poppy seeds, especially for individuals who may be subject to drug testing. Overall, the goal of Bill 118 s 3354 is to protect public health and safety by regulating the levels of morphine in foods containing poppy seeds and raising awareness about the potential risks associated with their consumption.