Womack’s bill seeks to end online sales of tarnished poppy seeds

U.S. Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) on Nov. 29 offered legislation designed to close loopholes that have allowed opiates to be sold online in the form of unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain more than 20 times the therapeutic dosage of morphine.

Rep. Womack sponsored the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act, H.R. 6512, to prohibit the sale of poppy seeds that contain a harmful level of opiates and require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue regulations that establish a maximum level of contamination, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.

“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,” Rep. Womack said. “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.”

H.R. 6512 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 1016, which U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced on April 3.