HEALTH officials in NSW are warning people of the dangers of consuming large quantities of poppy seeds after a number of patients were hospitalised with severe poisoning after ingesting the seeds.
NSW Health reported "at least eight" people presented at hospitals across the State suffering the symptoms of poisoning after purposely consuming poppy seeds as a drink, and "more cases have been reported interstate".
NSW Poisons Information Centre Medical Director, Associate Professor Darren Roberts, noted a preliminary investigation suggests that high levels of a naturally occurring chemical in the raw poppy seeds may be a factor, which needs to be well-cooked to be destroyed.
"We are urging anyone who has had large quantities of poppy seeds, for example as a drink, and who experiences any unusual and severe symptoms to seek immediate medical attention by visiting their nearest emergency department," he said.
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