Bill > S1258

This bill, named after Stephen Hacala, seeks to address the safety concerns surrounding poppy seeds contaminated with dangerous opiate alkaloids. The bill highlights the tragic death of Stephen Hacala and the fact that at least 19 people have died from morphine overdoses related to contaminated poppy seeds. It also notes instances where poppy seed consumption has led to positive drug tests for servicemembers and unexpected opiate detection in new mothers. The legislation requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish, within one year, proposed rules defining contamination levels for morphine, codeine, and potentially other compounds in poppy seeds, with a final rule to be implemented within two years. Once these contamination thresholds are set, poppy seeds exceeding these levels will be considered adulterated food and prohibited in interstate commerce. The bill explicitly states that contaminated poppy seeds remain subject to regulation under the Controlled Substances Act, ensuring that seeds with high levels of opiate alkaloids can be controlled and removed from the market to protect public health and safety.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1258/all-info