A pregnant woman’s experience has sparked concern among expectant mothers after she claimed that her daily consumption of a popular food led to a positive test for opiates. Cassey Hoff, from Maryland, revealed her shocking discovery in a viral TikTok video, urging others to be cautious about their dietary choices during pregnancy.
During a routine appointment on January 25, 2026, Hoff underwent standard blood tests at her obstetrician-gynecologist’s office. To her dismay, she received abnormal results indicating traces of opiates in her system, despite having never used any drugs. Following an investigation into the source of the opiates, Hoff connected her cravings for avocado toast topped with ‘everything bagel seasoning,’ which contains poppy seeds, to the unexpected test result.
Hoff explained in her video, “I tested positive for opiates at my OBGYN blood draw this past week and I’m clearly not a drug addict.” The revelation was alarming for her, especially considering the implications of a positive drug test during pregnancy. After discussing her situation with her sister, she learned that the poppy seeds present in her breakfast could cause such an outcome due to their natural coating of morphine and codeine.
According to the Mayo Clinic, poppy seed pods contain opioids, which can remain on the seeds during harvesting. The concentration of these substances can vary significantly based on agricultural conditions, leading to unpredictable results in drug screenings.
Hoff’s concerns escalated as she feared that medical professionals might suspect her of drug use, potentially alerting child protective services. “I immediately called the doctor freaking out,” she recounted, expressing her anxiety over the situation. Fortunately, a nurse reassured her that the doctor was not concerned about the test results, alleviating some of her distress.
In her TikTok video, which has garnered over 1.4 million views, Hoff concluded with a warning for others: “So yeah, just so you know, if you eat poppy seeds, you might test positive for opiates in your blood or urine.” The video resonated with many viewers, prompting a flood of comments from individuals sharing similar experiences.
One user noted, “True story… I had a trace amount show up [in a drug test] after eating a whole package of lemon poppyseed muffins.” Another commenter recounted that their father, a pilot, had to avoid poppy seeds for years due to the risk of false positives during drug tests.
This incident raises broader questions about the implications of food consumption on drug testing, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. Healthcare professionals may need to provide clearer guidance regarding dietary choices that could affect drug screenings, ensuring that patients are informed about potential risks associated with seemingly innocuous foods.
As the conversation continues to unfold online, Hoff’s story serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between diet and medical testing, emphasizing the importance of awareness and communication in healthcare.
