If you transport a popular kitchen seasoning in your luggage to a foreign country . . .
. . . you might be labeled a drug smuggler.
And travelers were stunned to learn this popular Trader Joe’s seasoning violates drug laws in these countries.
Getting high on bagels
Good ol’ Trader Joe’s.
Known for their fun atmosphere and unique selection of food products, Trader Joe’s has an almost cult-like following.
They are known for offering healthy food choices for budget-conscious foodies (or wannabe foodies) and the small store allows shoppers to move around quickly.
One of the most popular items at Trader Joe’s is their famous Everything but the Bagel sesame seasoning blend.
People are obsessed with it.
Like seriously obsessed.
So much so that internationals load it up in their suitcases to bring it home to their countries.
Even though it is illegal.
That is right.
Illegal.
In multiple countries around the world from South Korea to Saudi Arabia and even Taiwan , if a traveler brings the Everything but the Bagel spice into their country they are breaking drug laws.
Poppy Poppy Poppy
It sounds nuts.
How can the same seasoning grandma sprinkles on her eggs violate international drug laws?
It is all about the ingredients.
The famous seasoning is composed of sesame seeds, garlic, dried onion, salt, and a little bit of poppy seeds.
And while poppy seeds are wildly used in products here in the States other countries think they are dangerous and have banned them.
South Korea was quick to warn travelers not to even try and smuggle this fan-favorite spice into their luggage.
Even threatening jail time.
Jail!
For some poppy seeds.
But South Korea is serious, and on the U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea a stern warning was issued.
“Please note that food products containing poppy seeds, including popular bagel seasoning blends, are considered illegal in Korea,” the website said.
Yikes!
Illegal.
But it gets worse.
“Attempting to travel into Korea with these products could result in a criminal investigation resulting in fines, entry and exit bans, or even imprisonment,” the warning continued.
But people still try.
Grandma the drug-trafficker
Travel site Paddle Your Own Kanoo reports South Koreans are still trying to sneak in jars of the popular “Everything but The Bagel” spice, leading to an increase in custom checks to confiscate this illegal substance.
But why is South Korea so freaked out about poppy seeds?
They are worried about their “relation” to opium and possible contamination during harvesting.
Other countries agree and have banned poppy seeds too.
Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel spice is banned in Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, Paddle Your Own Kanoo reported.
So, if you are traveling overseas with your elders (or young college sibling) make sure they leave their favorite spice at home, or the consequences could be crazy!
God Bless America.
DeSantis Daily will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
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