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Drugs in Construction

Writer's picture: DSRM-1DSRM-1

Updated: Jan 27



Key Engineer Suspended After Drugs Test! 


In this vignette, (Heroin Module - Drugs in Construction) we discuss Sarah, a key engineer suspended after failing a workplace drugs test. Not only does this jeopardise her career, but it also disrupts the project. Sarah insists she has never taken drugs and is deeply distressed.

It later emerges that Tesco’s poppy seed rolls caused her false positive result. 


While most people associate poppies with heroin, only Papaver somniferum—one of over 100 poppy genera—produces opium. This plant is cultivated in the UK and elsewhere for medical purposes, with its seeds repurposed for the food industry. These seeds are washed and baked before entering our food chain, greatly reducing any drug-like effects.


However, poppy seed consumption can still trigger false positives in drugs' tests. This risk prompted the US Secretary of Defence to issue a 2023 memorandum warning service members about consuming poppy seeds. 


A Cambridge University Botanic Garden study also confirmed that eating poppy-seed bread can result in false positives, though further testing can distinguish genuine opiate use.


For construction companies enforcing strict drug policies, the key question arises: if an employee denies drug use, who pays for the follow-up test to confirm they merely had bread for breakfast?



Anthony Hegarty MSc

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