SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — Trader Joe’s acclaimed Everything But the Bagel sesame seasoning blend, a cherished addition to many American kitchens, is encountering significant hurdles for travelers attempting to bring it into South Korea. This popular seasoning, which has garnered a substantial following both in the United States and internationally, contains poppy seeds—a key ingredient that has led to its prohibition in South Korea under the country’s stringent narcotics regulations.

Regulatory Issues and Enforcement

In South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has classified poppy seeds as a narcotic, resulting in a ban on products containing them for the past two years. This classification arises from the potential of the poppy plant to produce opium, although the seeds themselves are not narcotic. Despite their harmless nature in culinary use, their association with opium has necessitated rigorous control measures.

Recently, travelers have reported heightened scrutiny at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, where customs officials are strictly enforcing the import ban on products containing poppy seeds. A traveler recently shared a photo on social media depicting a warning sign at the airport that explicitly targets Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning. The sign, featuring an image of the product, illustrates the increased vigilance regarding narcotic-related imports.

The airport has not yet provided immediate commentary on the situation. However, a representative informed CNN that South Korea is intensifying its efforts to curb the illegal importation of narcotic substances. “Seed products containing narcotic substances have always been banned from being brought into Korea. Recently, the customs offices have been reinforcing their crackdown on narcotic-related items,” the representative explained.

In response to these enforcement measures, the U.S. Embassy in South Korea has issued a cautionary alert on its website. The notice advises travelers that food products containing poppy seeds, including popular seasoning blends, are considered illegal in South Korea.

Traveler Experiences and Social Media Reactions

The impact of the ban has become increasingly apparent through the experiences shared by travelers. One traveler detailed on X (formerly Twitter) how airport authorities seized her Everything But the Bagel products upon her arrival. “If you’re in the U.S., don’t buy this sesame seasoning from Trader Joe’s,” she cautioned in a translated post. “The ingredients contain poppy seeds, which can be considered drug-related when entering Korea.”

The traveler also highlighted that even other products containing poppy seeds, such as certain crackers, faced similar issues. “Everything will get taken away,” she added.

A Korean travel blogger recounted her recent experience on the Korean website Naver. After returning from the U.S. with 20 bottles of the seasoning—intended as gifts—she discovered that her items were confiscated at Incheon Airport. “I wondered what was going on, so I went to Incheon Airport customs, and there were already many people being inspected because of this product,” she wrote. “There seems to be some confusion, as the import ban has only recently been enforced.”

Poppy Seeds and Health Considerations

Although the poppy plant can produce opium, the seeds used in culinary applications are generally regarded as safe and non-intoxicating. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration Museum, the opiate content in poppy seeds is minimal and is significantly reduced through processing methods such as washing and cooking. An article by the University of Florida College of Medicine confirms that while consuming poppy seeds is unlikely to cause intoxication, the seeds may occasionally affect drug tests due to their sensitivity.

In the U.S., poppy seeds are specifically excluded from the Controlled Substances Act, reflecting a different regulatory approach compared to South Korea.

The Everything But the Bagel Phenomenon

Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years. Social media platforms are replete with recipes showcasing the seasoning, which is used on a variety of dishes ranging from bread and eggs to salmon and Korean chive pancakes.

Korean influencer Kenji Kumagi addressed the situation in a video, explaining the import ban to his followers. “I guess this went viral on social media in Korea, and everyone and their mothers visiting the U.S. are buying these and bringing them back to Korea because they like it so much,” he said.

In the video’s comments, travelers shared their mixed experiences. “I brought in three bottles when I moved to Korea during Covid, and when TSA in Incheon saw it, they thought it was diet food and let me keep it,” noted one commenter.

Another American expatriate expressed disappointment over the change, reflecting on her past experiences with the seasoning. “My order got confiscated at customs recently,” she said. “I was annoyed. Two years ago, it was no issue for it to be shipped to Korea. I guess I’ll have to make my own without poppy seeds.”

Conclusion

The import ban on Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel seasoning in South Korea underscores the intricate interplay between food safety regulations and international travel. As travelers adapt to these restrictions, the global popularity of the seasoning highlights the challenges associated with managing food products that contain ingredients deemed illegal in certain jurisdictions. The ongoing enforcement of South Korea’s narcotics regulations serves as a reminder of the diverse legal landscapes governing the importation of food products worldwide.