List of Foods that can Cause a False Positive Drug Test

Have you ever felt panic after your boss talks about random urine tests after you have a meal? Don’t panic! The food you eat for breakfast may seem shadier than anything you do. Why don’t we see what false positive drug tests cause, what the results are, and what foods might accidentally trigger one?

Table of Contents

What is a Drug Test?

A drug examination is a type of lab test used to identify drug or alcohol use. It is possible to screen for alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, and other substances. Typically, urine samples are used for testing. However, additional samples, including hair, saliva, perspiration, or blood, can be used.
Any federal or non-federal employment drug-testing program must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Does the Food I consume change my results in a Drug Test?

Sometimes, choosing foods with no harmful ingredients can cause a positive result on a drug test. Many common foods have ingredients that seem like drug compounds, leading to mistakes in urine or blood tests. The positive news is that you’re not the only one experiencing the food freak-out.

Which Foods Can Cause a False Positive Test?

Try to watch out for the foods listed below, as they could cause issues:

Poppy seeds: Eating a bagel may result in a failed drug test for opiates. These seeds have small quantities of morphine and codeine.
Hemp seeds and oil contain a small amount of THC and may lead to positive drug test results.
Specific teas: Some kinds of herbal teas (such as coca leaf tea) may result in a false test for cocaine.
Some foods that contain yeast can appear positive for alcohol on a test.
Contains quinine: A substance that may indicate the presence of opiates.

Reisfield GM and others in 2023 discovered in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology that having a poppy seed bagel could make your blood system test positive for morphine, surpassing the federal cutoff, for as long as 24 hours for some individuals. Based on this study, it is clear why job seekers are worried about false-positive drug tests.

What Are The Chances Of False Positives Caused By Food?

Many studies estimate that nearly 5-10% of original positive results in heart health screenings occur because of incorrect diet. Thankfully, most of these are detected during the final tests. In conclusion, simply avoiding the common reasons for false drug tests will help you avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

How Soon After Eating Certain Foods Could You Get a False Positive?

These difficult foods tend to influence test results only a few hours after eating them. Poppy seeds may be visible in your urine for up to 3 days after having your bagel. Given that 5-panel and 10-panel drug tests are the norm in pre-employment screening, it’s important to plan.

What if I accidentally had one of these foods recently before a Drug Test?

Don’t worry too much! Here is the strategy you should use:

Inform the officials at the testing center about your food choices.
Request another test that will give you a more precise result if it is required.
Try to remember to bring any packaging/order receipts of food items you are returning.
Remember to drink water to help your body get rid of waste.

Is it possible that some types of drug tests show more false positives?

The 5-panel urine tests used widely are likely to produce more false positives than the 10-panel ones. Thankfully, most responsible drug testing centres like Choice DNA confirm their results using more accurate secondary procedures.

Is There a Way to Prepare for a Drug Test Without Worrying About What I Eat?

The best way to prepare for a pre-employment drug test is:

Do not eat any foods containing poppy seeds for at least 3 days.
Do your best to avoid consuming hemp for 1-2 weeks.
Opt for meals and drinks that you recognise.
Make sure to drink lots of water.
Pick foods that don’t usually trouble you.

Being aware of these causes can support you during the pre-employment screening process.

Are There False Positive Drug Test Causes Related to Over-the-Counter Meds?

You should also be careful about things besides food. The medications people often use are:

If you use Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), there is a possibility you could falsely test positive for marijuana
Using cold medicines with pseudoephedrine might cause an unexpected reaction with amphetamines.
Sometimes, antihistamines are mistaken for methadone by tests.
Antidepressants sometimes lead to a false-positive test result for LSD.

Be sure to mention any drugs you’re using, not just those that need a doctor’s prescription, to the testing center.

Take the First Step to Safety: Book Your Drug Testing Today!

Are Energy Drinks Likely to Alter the Results of a Drug Test?

Going too hard in the first round may end up hurting you at the finish. Some energy drinks may cause false positives when tested for amphetamines. B-vitamins and other compounds found at high levels in these drinks can sometimes confuse some types of tests. It might be best to drink only water right before your big examination!

Conclusion

Even though your everything bagel may momentarily lead others to suspect you of using heroin, Choice DNA Testing knows that this is not unusual. They apply complex confirmation tests to ensure your elementary school breakfast won’t harm your career. If you ever have a drug test, remember to prepare calmly, but do not eat any poppy seed muffins until afterwards.