No plans to ban poppy seeds - Health Ministry

The Health Ministry is not imposing a ban on the use of poppy seeds or kas-kas in cooking.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the morphine level in poppy seeds was minimal and has been certified as safe by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

He said the ministry has no plans to make policy changes or set a limit of its usage in cooking.

The use of poppy seeds as cooking spice does not show any significant risk of addiction, he said.

"However, the ministry will monitor the situation and will take action if there are complaints on the matter, especially if there is any abuse on the product," Dr Subramaniam told a news conference here today.

He said addiction incidences could only occur if the poppy seeds are consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.

Previously, the police had cautioned the public against consuming poppy seed cakes, alleging that the act could land them in jail.