Trader Joe's "Everything But the Bagel" Sesame Seasoning Blend has been banned in South Korea, where it is being seized from travelers and removed from online marketplaces due to its poppy seed content. The popular seasoning, a favorite among American consumers for use on various dishes, contains poppy seeds which are considered a controlled narcotic substance in South Korea.
The Mapo Police Station in Seoul, working with the online trading platform Karrot, began blocking sales of the seasoning after it was identified as containing trace amounts of morphine and codeine. The National Forensic Service confirmed that the poppy seeds naturally contain these substances. "Even if a product is legally sold overseas, it may be classified as a narcotic substance or a prohibited import in Korea, so particular caution is required," an official from the Mapo police station told The Korea Herald.
South Korean authorities have stated that both buyers and sellers caught with the seasoning are subject to criminal punishment. The item has been officially removed from websites within the country, and users attempting to purchase it on platforms like Karrot now encounter "Transaction Restricted" messages. Police have advised consumers to check relevant regulations before selling or purchasing imported food products and have pledged strict responses to any found to be circulating.
Trader Joe's introduced the viral seasoning in 2017. It is composed of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, black sesame seeds, and sea salt. The seasoning gained widespread popularity for its savory flavor, which foodies apply to a wide range of meals. The ban in South Korea, which reportedly became a significant issue after a traveler had their seasoning confiscated at Incheon International Airport, was added in 2022, five years after the product's inception.
Prior to the ban, bottles of the seasoning were being resold on Karrot for approximately 8,000 won, about $5.62 USD, a significant markup from its typical U.S. price of $1.99 for a 2.3-ounce jar. While the product remains legally available in the United States, travelers are now warned about the potential consequences of bringing it into South Korea.