Poppy seed consumption and toxicological analysis of blood and urine samples

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 143; no. 2; pp. 183 - 186
• Main Authors: Moeller, Manfred R, Hammer, Karin, Engel, Oliver
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 16-07-2004; Elsevier; The Lancet Publishing Group, a division of Elsevier Science Ltd; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis; Automobile Driving - legislation & jurisprudence; Biological and medical sciences; Blood; Codeine - analysis; Female; Forensic Medicine; Forensic sciences; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; General aspects; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Male; Medical sciences; Morphine; Morphine - analysis; Morphine concentration; Narcotics - analysis; Opium poppy; Papaver - chemistry; Poppy seeds; Seeds - chemistry; Substance Abuse Detection; Urine; Germany; Urine; Poppy seeds; Morphine concentration; Blood; Consumption; Biological fluid; Poppy; Biochemical analysis; Seeds; Toxicity; Sample; Opiates; Morphine; Morphine concentration: Blood; Concentration; Narcotic analgesic
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.03.027

Poppy seeds contain morphine in different amounts. Reported concentrations are up to 294
mg morphine/kg poppy seeds. Since penalties based on Street Traffic Law (§24a StVG) in Germany (administrative offence) require definitive proof of morphine in blood samples, and the “Grenzwertkommission” in consultation with the Ministry of Transportation recommended a threshold of free morphine of 10
ng/mL, the question arose whether the consumption of poppy seeds can lead to a blood concentrations equal or higher than 10
ng/mL of free morphine. Therefore, five volunteers ate poppy seed products (50
mg morphine/kg poppy seeds). In urine, all on-site tests were enzyme immunologically positive for opiates and were positive to morphine by GC/MS. All the blood samples were negative to morphine by EIA and to free morphine by GC/MS. However, after hydrolysis, morphine was detected by GC/MS in all cases. Accordingly, in Germany, penalties based on §24a StVG are not likely to cause road users any concerns should they have consumed poppy seeds. Driver Licensing Authorities, however, should be advised of this problem to avoid unjustified legal measures.