Pulaski Times

U.S. Senator John Boozman and other members of the Arkansas congressional delegation have introduced the Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit the sale of poppy seeds containing harmful opiate levels and mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish limits on contamination.

The act is named in memory of Stephen Hacala Jr., an Arkansan who died on September 3, 2016, after consuming morphine-laced poppy seeds purchased online. His case is not isolated, as up to 20 Americans have died from similar incidents involving poppy seeds with high morphine content.

Senator Boozman stated, “The sale of unwashed poppy seeds represents a discreet threat to health and safety. This legislation, driven by the Hacalas’ advocacy, honors Stephen Jr.’s memory by protecting other consumers from falling victim to dangerous, toxin-laced poppy seeds so other families avoid experiencing the loss of a loved one from similar circumstances.”

Senator Tom Cotton added, “Stephen Hacala, Jr. died from an opioid overdose because of a dangerous gap in our nation's drug laws. Despite government warnings, unwashed poppy seeds, which can contain lethal doses of morphine, are still entering our food supply. It's time for the FDA to act so that no other families experience the pain the Hacala family has endured.”

Congressman Rick Crawford expressed his support for the legislation, saying he is proud to back efforts that protect individuals from such harm in the future.

“The Hacala family of Rogers tragically lost their son, Stephen, because lethal substances find their way into our food supply through contaminated poppy seeds," commented Representative Steve Womack. He emphasized that the bill could prevent similar tragedies.

Congressman Bruce Westerman attributed the need for such legislation to negligent practices among distributors. He stressed that Congress must act to ensure the FDA warns the public about opiate levels in contaminated seeds. “I’m proud to support this legislation alongside my fellow Arkansans and House Republicans to prevent other families from enduring the same loss the Hacala family is unfortunately all too familiar with.”

In addition to the Arkansas delegation, Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut has joined in proposing the act in the Senate.

The full text of the legislation is available for interested parties.