Opium alkaloids in poppy seeds

According to Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/2142 maximum levels related to opium alkaloids apply from July 2022 on. The maximum level related to poppy seeds is 20 mg/kg for the sum of morphine and codeine. 

Consequently, this ring test refers to morphine and codeine in poppy seeds. Whole, non-ground poppy seeds are provided as test material resp. blank material. The test material is spiked with morphine and codeine. The concentration levels are similar to routine samples. 

The aim of the ring test is

• the correct quantification of morphine and codeine
  with respect to the comparability criterion, and
• the correct quantification of morphine and codeine
  with respect to the trueness criterion (as far as scientifically reasonable applicable).

Reporting limits of 0.1 mg/kg are required for both parameters.