Poppy Seed Bagels and 5 Other Foods That Can Cause A False Positive Drug Test

Taking a drug test is unnerving. Most people have a lot riding on the outcome of these tests. For those in addiction recovery, a positive test result can mean the difference between having stable housing and not. For those searching for jobs, failing a drug test can mean the end of their livelihoods. If you’re on deck to be tested, it’s important to know which foods, medications, and activities could lead to a false positive. Although they’re relatively rare, especially when using a reliable test from Priority Testing Labs, false positives can and do occur. Following are six potential foods that can lead to a false positive drug test.

Six Common Foods for a False-Positive Result

There are six foods that you definitely want to avoid before taking a breathalyzer or drug test, and some are incredibly common. In fact, you may encounter them regularly when buying a muffin at a nearby coffee shop, having a cocktail, or noshing on a heart-healthy treat that you purchased at a local health food store. 

Poppy Seeds

Imagine testing positive for morphine when you’ve never even taken opiates before. That’s what might happen if you indulge in too many poppy seed bagels or lemon poppyseed muffins before taking your drug test. Although poppy seeds are common and can be found in multiple pastries and bread, there’s strong evidence that they’ll cause you to have traces of morphine in your urine and saliva for some time after you consume them. Rather than going for your favorite, ask for a plain bagel, a blueberry bagel, or a pumpkin spice muffin. You should also watch out for “everything bagels” and onion rolls as these often have poppy seeds too. Keep in mind that the likelihood of a false positive test result with poppy seeds is highest when large amounts are consumed. If you’re looking for a different healthy breakfast choice, check out some of our heart-healthy suggestions that won’t have you failing a drug screening. 

Hemp Seeds

Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized the production of hemp in the U.S., hemp seeds have become a popular addition to many healthy foods. You can find these in granola bars, bread, nut butters and other spreads, breakfast bars, and more. Some companies are even preparing their snack foods using hemp oil. Although there isn’t enough tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in hemp-containing foods to produce intoxication, there is enough to potentially result in a false positive drug test. As such, it’s best to lay off the hemp seed granola bars and to read ingredient lists carefully while preparing for your drug test.

Coca Tea

If you’ve ever traveled to the Peruvian highlands, then you definitely know what altitude sickness feels like. Certain destinations in Peru can take travelers as much as 8,000 feet or more above sea level. One well-known local secret to avoiding the hangover-like sickness that can ruin any traveler’s trip is to drink a strong brew made of coca leaves shortly after disembarking your plane. It works and it doesn’t cause the same psychoactive effects that illicit derivatives of coca leaves as cocaine does. However, on the off-chance that you’ve just returned from a high-altitude trip where you used coca tea to keep altitude sickness at bay, you might want to put your drug test off for a bit. Coca tea breaks down to form cocaine metabolites that will show up on your drug test. Luckily, coca tea that contains these metabolites is not sold in the United States, so it should be fairly easy to avoid.

Pizza 

This one can’t possibly be fair. But alas, pizza can indeed cause you to fail a breathalyzer test. Although you don’t have to worry about failing a drug test if you’ve had a slice or two, the yeast activity in pizza’s crust could lead to a DUI if you get pulled over. Yeasty foods like pizza create “mouth alcohol” that can lead to false positives. The best way to avoid this problem without having to forgo your favorite meal is by rinsing your mouth out well when you’re done.

Tonic Water

Tonic water, often marked on soda dispensers with a single “Q”, has a high quinine content. Quinine is actually a malaria drug that comes from the South American cinchona tree. More importantly, it’s a common cutting agent for illicit substances. If you down a bunch of tonic water, you might have the same urine profile as someone who abuses substances like heroin. Do yourself a favor and hold the vodka tonic until after your drug testing is done.

Durian Fruit

Either you love durian fruit or your hate it. It certainly packs a powerful smell. However, it’s also rich in nutrients, phytonutrients, and amazing antioxidants. As such, it’s popular among the health community. Although durian won’t cause you to fail a drug test, it could get you in trouble if you’re ever pulled over and asked to take a breathalyzer test. One unlucky man in China blew 0.016% over the legal alcohol limit after eating durian and taking a breathalyzer. The cause? “Mouth alcohol” can linger in a person’s mouth for some time after this fruit is consumed.

Get Accurate Testing From Priority Lab Testing

You’ll probably find it easy to avoid most of these foods for several weeks before taking your drug test. However, it’s always best to know what the risks are. Don’t eat durian and drive, and don’t load up on poppy seed bagels and tonic water before drug testing. More importantly, get accurate results every time by using Priority Lab Testing.  You’ll get the same accurate testing that you’d get from your doctor’s office, and without having to pay a veritable fortune. You’ll also have access to an expansive range of popular test options including basic panel drug tests, full panel drug tests, and fentanyl tests. Order your test today!