List of Foods that can cause a False Positive Drug Test

Has it ever happened that your boss talks about doing random urine tests after you’ve had a meal, and you panic? Don’t panic! What you eat for breakfast may appear shadier than many of your everyday activities. Why don’t we investigate the effects and false positives drug tests cause, how they’re detected, and which foods might accidentally set them off?

What is a Drug Test for?

A drug examination is a laboratory way to determine if drug or alcohol use has occurred. Drug tests are used to check for alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs and others. Most often, testing is done using urine samples. Alternatively, scientists can use hair, saliva, sweat or blood from the body.

Both federal and non-federal workplaces that perform drug testing must adhere to all the correct local, state, and federal regulations.

Does the food in my diet affect how a Drug Test turns out?

Many typical foods contain substances that look like drug compounds, which can influence urine or blood tests. The good news is that plenty of people have experienced something similar before.

What Foods Can Give a False Positive?

Here is a list of some foods that one should avoid before a drug test, which may lead to problems:

• You may occasionally test positive for opioids after consuming poppy seeds. These seeds contain only a little morphine and codeine.
• Although THC in hemp seeds and oil is no more than a trace, that amount might still cause someone to fail a drug test.
• Some herbal teas: Coca leaf tea and similar varieties can be a source of cocaine false positive drug test cause.
• Foods containing yeast are often identified as positive for alcohol on a test.
• May include quinine: A substance used to spot the presence of opiates.

In a 2023 paper published in The Journal of Analytical Toxicology, Reisfield GM and other researchers found that eating a poppy seed may lead certain individuals to have residues of morphine in their bloodstreams for an entire day, which is more than twice the legal limit. As a result of the study, we understand why job seekers have concerns about false-positive drug test results. 

Which Foods Can Cause a False Positive After Eating Them?

Results from a fatty meal may be affected only a short time after eating it. If you consume any poppy seeds, you may notice them in your urine for up to three days. Since pre-employment drug tests are most commonly 5-panel or 10-panel, being prepared is a good idea. 

Can Certain foods cause a Positive Drug Test result?

Don’t get too anxious! This is what you need to do to succeed.

• Let the officials at the testing center know about what you plan to eat during the exam.
• Have the doctor arrange a second test to confirm the first result if that is what you need.
• Bring any receipts from the food you are taking back to the store with you.
• Have water regularly so that your body can get rid of waste.

Might there be types of Drug Tests that report more Positive results even when there are no Drugs?

5-panel tests are more likely to provide false-positive results than 10-panel tests. Fortunately, many well-known drug testing facilities, like Face DNA Testing and Choice DNA, verify their findings using secondary methods.

Is It Possible to Get Prepared for a Drug Test Without Stressing Over Food?

The most effective way to prepare for a drug test before joining a company is:

• After your test, stay away from foods containing poppy seeds for at least three days.
• Try not to eat hemp for 1-2 weeks before seeing a doctor.
• When in doubt, prefer snacks and beverages you’re familiar with.
• Remember to drink a lot of water.
• Eat only things that tend to be safe for you.

Knowing these causes helps you prepare for the pre-employment screening.

Can Using Over-the-Counter Medicines Sometimes Give a False Positive Drug Test?

There are other issues to look out for besides your diet. Often, individuals take any of the following medications:

• Taking cold medicines that include pseudoephedrine together with amphetamines might result in an unexpected reaction.
• On rare occasions, antihistamines can be mistaken for methadone by laboratory tests.
• Sometimes, using antidepressants can cause a test to detect LSD incorrectly.

Remember to mention all drugs you’re using, including over-the-counter varieties, to the testing center.

Will consuming a soda result in a Positive Drug Test?

Working farther than your body can handle in the beginning might cause problems later. There is a chance that drinking some energy drinks can result in a false diagnosis of amphetamine use. B-vitamins and other items at high levels in these beverages may, at times, throw off test results. It’s probably a good idea to drink water just before taking your big exam.

Can Food Be Confusing For Test Results And Lead To False Positives?

Much research has shown that as many as 5-10% of healthy heart screening results may be due to diet mistakes. Almost all these issues are picked up in the final testing rounds. In this regard, you can eliminate the concern of a false positive result if you steer clear of common blunders.

Conclusion

Your everything bagel may make some people assume you use heroin, but Face DNA Testing finds this is quite common. They make sure your breakfast at elementary school meets high safety standards that won’t affect your future. If you have a drug test anytime, relax, but avoid eating poppy seed muffins beforehand.