A pregnant woman from Maryland has raised concerns after her craving for avocado toast led to an unexpected positive test for opiates. Cassey Hoff, who is expecting her fifth child, experienced shock when routine tests during an OBGYN appointment revealed abnormal results, indicating traces of opiates in her system.
Hoff had been indulging in avocado toast topped with “everything bagel seasoning” each morning for two weeks prior to her blood test. The seasoning contained poppy seeds, known to have small amounts of morphine and codeine, which can show up in drug tests. This discovery prompted Hoff to share her experience on TikTok, where her video quickly gained traction, amassing over 1.4 million views.
During her TikTok clip, Hoff described the moment she received her test results. “I tested positive for opiates at my OBGYN blood draw this past week and I’m clearly not a drug addict,” she stated. Upon reviewing her results, she was baffled to see the “positive” indication for opiates.
In her video, she recounted how she confided in her sister after the test results. “She goes, ‘Wait a minute, haven’t you been craving avocado toast?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve been eating it every morning. Why?'” Hoff’s sister reminded her that the seasoning contained poppy seeds, which led to her positive test result.
According to the Mayo Clinic, poppy seeds are coated with trace amounts of morphine and codeine, which can vary based on growing conditions. This means that consuming foods containing poppy seeds can lead to a positive drug test, even if the individual has not consumed any illicit drugs.
Hoff expressed her immediate concern upon learning of the positive test. She feared that medical professionals might suspect her of drug use and contact child protective services. After reaching out to her doctor, a nurse assured her that there was no cause for concern regarding her drug test results.
“I’m over here freaking out,” Hoff said, and she concluded her message with a cautionary note: “So yeah, just so you know, if you eat poppy seeds, you might test positive for opiates in your blood or urine.”
The TikTok community resonated with Hoff’s experience, with many sharing their own stories in the comments. One user mentioned a similar situation, stating, “True story… I had a trace amount show up [in a drug test] after eating a whole package of lemon poppyseed muffins.” Others echoed her sentiments, noting the surprise of testing positive after consuming poppy seed-containing foods.
This incident highlights an important consideration for expectant mothers and the general public regarding the consumption of poppy seeds and their potential implications on drug testing. As Hoff’s experience illustrates, something as simple as a food craving can lead to significant misunderstandings in medical settings.
