Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Lens Asia

15 July, 2024 01:10 PM

The Trader Joe’s website promotes the product as “the only Everything Seasoning you’ll ever need.”Credit...Trader Joe's

The seasoning is sold by Trader Joe’s, a brand whose popularity has skyrocketed in the region in recent.

The seasoning garnishes everything from bagels and scrambled eggs to fried chicken in many countries. But in South Korea, it tops something else: a list of unexpected goods travelers are banned from bringing into the country.

Trader Joe’s savory Everything but The Bagel seasoning mix has a cult following in the United States, but many who have tried to bring the topping into South Korea have had the garlic, onion and poppy seed blend — often described as “everything seasoning” — confiscated by authorities, local news reports said.

Food containing poppy seeds, “including popular bagel seasoning blends,” is considered contraband in South Korea, according to the U.S. Embassy, making the coveted topping a forbidden treat.

The Trader Joe’s seasoning has been banned in South Korea since 2022, but the brand’s popularity in the region has skyrocketed, with influencers in Japan sporting Trader Joe’s canvas tote bags as a fashion statement.

As more travelers have tried to bring the popular seasoning mix into South Korea, local news and social media sites have reported in recent weeks on an increase in confiscations at airports.

Poppy seeds are not opiates but may be contaminated by the plant’s fluid, which contains opiates, when they are harvested. The amount of contamination can vary, and thus the amount of opiates that end up on poppy seeds in bagels, cakes or seasonings is hard to pinpoint, researchers say.

In South Korea, poppy seeds are banned because they are considered a narcotic.

“You can fail a drug test by consuming poppy seed products,” said Michelle Carlin, an assistant professor of toxicology and forensic chemistry at Rutgers University who has studied poppy seeds. “It obviously depends on the amount of poppy seeds present, but there is much variation found in the opiate compounds in the poppy seeds.”

Growing location, sunlight and how hydrated the poppy plants are can affect the amount of opiate contamination on poppy seeds, Ms. Carlin added. Her research found that, though washing the poppy seeds can remove contamination, it is very difficult to tell if seeds were washed before being put in food products.

Still, the chance of a seasoning mix having enough opiates in it to result in a positive drug test is relatively low, Ms. Carlin said. “With those seasonings, people are not using a lot. And the seasonings have other things like garlic or salt,” she said.

Tags:

The seasoning is sold by Trader Joe’s a brand whose popularity has skyrocketed in the region in recent lens asia lanse asia lensasia.net

Related News

Trump shooting live updates: Trump praises Secret Service, says B...

Argentina wins record 16th Copa America title, beats Colombia 1-0...

Trump shares surge 50% in premarket trading after assassination a...

Assassination attempts against US presidents, candidates

Goldman profits surge 150% from year ago on Wall Street rebound

Grammy-nominated OneRepublic musician lists Chicago area home for...

BMW recalling 44K vehicles in Canada over potentially deadly airb...

India is aiming to increase exports to Russia after Modi-Putin me...

Putin Announces Russia’s Support for Iran Against US-Israel

Lens Asia

1 September, 2026 11:40 PM

Collected photo.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will stand by the Iranian people in their confrontation with what he described as aggression by the United States and Israel.

Putin made the remarks on Tuesday (September 1) during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Despite the ongoing military and geopolitical tensions, Putin said Moscow remains committed to maintaining its economic and trade ties with Tehran. He also stressed the importance of further strengthening relations between the two countries.

The United States had earlier threatened to impose new sanctions on countries maintaining economic ties with Iran, including Russia and China. Despite Washington’s warning, Putin signalled that Moscow intends to deepen its relationship with Tehran.

According to a statement from the Iranian presidency, the two leaders reviewed recent developments in bilateral relations. They also discussed ways to expand cooperation in strategic areas, including energy and trade.

Tags:

Russia Support Iran Against US-Israel

Related News

Assassination attempts against US presidents, candidates

Daily Amar Desh accused of spreading rumors against Nahid and Asi...

India clinch T20 series against England amid concussion sub row

BCCI Announces INR 5 Crore Prize Money for India's ICC U19 Women'...

Baltic states to make historic switch away from Russian power gri...

UN SG reaffirms continued support to Rohingya crisis in Banglades...

AL & Indian media propagating against Muhammad YunusAL & Indian m...

Trump says he’s spoken with Putin as Russia’s war in Ukraine appr...

Two Saudi Oil Tankers Attacked in the Strait of Hormuz

Lens Asia

1 September, 2026 11:36 PM

collected photo

Two supertankers carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia were struck by unidentified projectiles while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels were attacked separately within a few minutes of each other on Monday (August 31) night, according to maritime intelligence and surveillance firms Marisks and Kepler.

According to a Reuters report, the two tankers were passing through the Omani-controlled section of the Strait of Hormuz when the attacks occurred. One of the vessels, ‘Sidr’, was sailing under the Saudi flag, while the other, ‘Senegal Prosperity’, was registered under the Liberian flag. No crew members were injured in the attacks.

Data from Kepler shows that both tankers loaded 2 million barrels of crude oil each from Saudi Arabia’s Juaymah terminal last week.

Marisks said the attacks on two vessels within a short interval in the same corridor indicate that security risks in the Strait of Hormuz are worsening. No party has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Earlier in August, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco resumed oil production and sales from within the Strait of Hormuz. The latest attacks on the strategically important waterway have renewed concerns over global oil supplies.

Tags:

Saudi Arab Oil Tanker Attacked Strait of Hormuz

Related News

Jasim's travel to Dubai and Saudi Arabia is banned.

Air chief leaves for Saudi Arabia, UAE

Lawyer in Saudi trans student's suicide note had embassy links,

Today meske saban

Why Saudi Arabia is the venue of choice for Trump talks on Ukrain...

The moon has been seen, Siam in Saudi Arabia begins Saturday

Arab leaders approve $53bn alternative to Trump's Gaza plan

Saudi Arabia Will Stand with Pakistan if India Attacks: Khawaja A...

Death Toll from Devastating Floods in Nepal Rises to 903

Lens Asia

1 September, 2026 12:42 AM

Photo: BBC

The death toll from last week’s devastating floods and landslides in Nepal has risen to 903, the country’s disaster management authorities have said. At the same time, 4,247 people remain unaccounted for.

According to the latest figures released on Monday (August 31), rescue operations have continued in the aftermath of the disaster. So far, 10,451 people have been rescued and brought to safety.

The information was provided by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Widespread damage has been reported across different parts of the country following the devastating floods and landslides. Emergency rescue workers are continuing their efforts to locate the missing and carry out rescue operations in the affected areas.

Tags:

Death 903 Flood Nepal

Related News

Body found in floodwaters and troops injured in Australia storm

A New Horizon for Nepali Cinema: 'Missing' to Be Released in Bang...

Bangladesh to Play Two Friendlies Against Nepal in September; Ham...

Nepal’s Home Minister Resigns After 19 Killed in Protests

Former Nepal PM Oli Blames India for Ouster

Severe Landslide Hits Nepal-China Border, 20 Bodies Recovered

Death Toll Rises to 691 in Devastating Floods in Nepal and Tibet

Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Khamenei Calls for Unity in the Muslim World

Lens Asia

31 August, 2026 12:46 AM

Mojtaba Khamenei. Photo: Al Jazeera

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has called on Muslim countries to set aside their differences and take a united stance against their real enemies. He alleged that hostile forces are attempting to create divisions among countries in order to weaken the Muslim world. Al Jazeera reported.

He made the remarks in a written statement issued on Sunday (August 30).

Referring to the United States and Israel, Mojtaba Khamenei said efforts are being made to fuel divisions among the people of Iran and other Muslim countries by exploiting ethnic, cultural, social, economic, political and geographical differences.

According to him, the greater the division among Muslims, the weaker the Islamic Ummah will become. He said enemies are seeking opportunities to expand their influence by taking advantage of such circumstances. He therefore urged Muslims to refrain from any activities that could deepen divisions within the community.

Addressing the situation in Palestine, Khamenei asked whether the people of Palestine would have been left so helpless if the Muslim world had remained united. He also questioned whether they would have had to suffer oppression and crimes at the hands of the occupiers.

Speaking about the Persian Gulf countries, he said that if these states had stood united under the banner of Islam, no power from a distant land would have dared to cast covetous eyes on their territory and resources.

In the statement, Mojtaba Khamenei identified the US government and Israel as the main opponents of unity and mutual cooperation in the Muslim world.

He said their opposition is not limited to Iran, the Iranian people or the Islamic resistance. He claimed that they also maintain a hostile stance toward the broader Muslim Ummah, including countries across West Asia and North Africa.

Tags:

Mojtaba Khamenei iran Unity Muslim World

Related News

Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Under the missiles: U.N. force caught between Israel and Hezbolla...

Israeli aggression, Palestinians are starving

US presidential election; Peace will come, or conflict will incre...

Trump's historic victory

US Treasury Says It Was Breached by Chinese Hacker

Los Angeles wildfires: At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods d...

Democracy sans opposition: Is Maharashtra already the BJP's 'shat...

Death Toll Rises to 691 in Devastating Floods in Nepal and Tibet

Lens Asia

31 August, 2026 12:45 AM

photo: BBC

A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in Nepal and China’s Tibet region following devastating floods in the Himalayan region. At least 691 people have died in the disaster so far, while more than 2,400 people remain missing. Nepal’s Tourism Board said the list of missing people also includes 320 foreign nationals.

Several roads and bridges have been damaged by the powerful floodwaters, leaving many remote mountainous areas largely cut off from the rest of the country. Army personnel, police and other rescue teams are conducting operations in different areas to locate those still missing.

The situation is also serious in Tibet. According to China’s state media, 16 people have died in the floods, while 554 people remain unaccounted for.

Concerns of an even greater disaster initially emerged after floodwaters created a new lake in a border area.

There were fears that if the lake exceeded its capacity, surrounding areas could face another round of flooding. However, Chinese officials said the water level in the lake is now gradually declining.

Rescue teams are prioritizing efforts to locate people stranded in remote areas that have been cut off. Operations are also underway to find several people who were working at a hydropower project. The mountainous terrain, mud and accumulated debris have made rescue operations even more challenging.

Tags:

Death 691 Floods Nepal-Tibet

Related News

Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Many of Students Protest Job Quotas in Bangladesh’s Streets

Bangladesh partially restores telecom services after deadly job q...

Under the missiles: U.N. force caught between Israel and Hezbolla...

Aim is to go beyond disengagement- Defence Minister on India-Chin...

Israeli aggression, Palestinians are starving

Nothing to panic about HMPV, says Tamil Nadu Health minister

Los Angeles wildfires: At least 10 dead and whole neighborhoods d...

Iran Calls US Sanctions Plan a ‘Farce’

Lens Asia

28 August, 2026 12:18 AM

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil.

Tehran has described the United States’ plan to economically isolate Iran as a ‘farce’. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said many of the sanctions announced by Washington are already in effect.

In a post on X on Thursday (August 27), Baghaei said the US policy has no practical meaning, as Washington is announcing sanctions that are already in place.

Baghaei also pointed to Bahrain’s inclusion in the US initiative. He said Iran has no significant economic transactions with Bahrain. Despite this, he added, the United States is attempting to portray its economic pressure campaign as more substantial by highlighting Bahrain.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had discussed maintaining financial pressure on Iran with Bahrain’s Finance Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Source: Al Jazeera.

Tags:

Iran USA Sanctions Plan Farce

Related News

Message of Harris’s has been clear, but Biden’s blunders still h...

What we know so far about Washington DC plane crash

Farmers in bird flu 'panic' call for UK vaccine plan

Donald Trump reiterates tariff plans on Canada, Mexico and China...

Thousands evacuate Santorini as earthquakes strike island

Top criminal court condemns US sanctions on officials

Judge pauses Trump plan to put thousands of USAID staff on leave

Trump to host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure...

Severe Landslide Hits Nepal-China Border, 20 Bodies Recovered

Lens Asia

26 August, 2026 10:20 PM

Collected photo

A massive landslide has struck the Gyirong area along the Nepal-China border. At least 20 bodies have been recovered so far, while around 400 people remain missing, including more than 100 Indian tourists.

CCTV footage of the incident shows a huge amount of soil and debris suddenly rushing down from the mountain. Within moments, the road and surrounding areas were buried. Several people were also seen running to safety as the landslide swept through the area.

Following the incident, authorities in Nepal’s Rasuwa district declared it a major disaster. Local officials fear that the death toll may rise further.

Rescue operations are ongoing. Foreign tourists are also reportedly among those missing, and the authorities are working to locate and rescue them.

Tags:

Landslide Nepal-China 20 Bodie Recovered

Related News

Recovered a person's dead body from a flat in Narayanganj

15 Lakh Taka Recovered from Anni’s Vehicle, Declared Legal: Polic...

Everything Bagel Seasoning Was Banned in South Korea

Many of Students Protest Job Quotas in Bangladesh’s Streets

Bangladesh partially restores telecom services after deadly job q...

Under the missiles: U.N. force caught between Israel and Hezbolla...

Aim is to go beyond disengagement- Defence Minister on India-Chin...

Israeli aggression, Palestinians are starving

20 Palestinians’ Bodies Recovered from Gaza Rubble

Lens Asia

26 August, 2026 10:19 PM

Photo: Al Jazeera

The bodies of 20 Palestinians have been recovered from the rubble of a destroyed building in Gaza’s Zeitoun area. Members of the civil defence teams recovered the bodies, according to Palestine’s official news agency WAFA. The report was also published by Anadolu Agency.

According to WAFA, the 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes during the war. Civil defence teams are continuing operations to recover the bodies of people believed to have been trapped beneath buildings destroyed in the attacks.

Many people remain missing in Gaza following the Israeli strikes. Some are believed to be trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams are therefore continuing to clear debris in search of those still missing.

Tags:

Palestinian Gaza Israel

Related News

Under the missiles: U.N. force caught between Israel and Hezbolla...

Israeli aggression, Palestinians are starving

Hamas releases three Israeli captives in exchange for 183 Palesti...

Trump Says US "Will Take Over Gaza Strip" After Meeting With Neta...

Israel troops withdraw from corridor that split Gaza in two

Israel completes withdrawal from key road dividing Gaza as part o...

Hamas says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel

Paul Adams: Why the Gaza ceasefire is under growing strain

Houthis Claim Attack on Saudi Oil Tanker in Red Sea

Lens Asia

25 August, 2026 12:39 PM

Collected photo.

Yemen’s Houthi rebel group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea. The group said the vessel, named Amjan, was targeted near the coast of Yanbu, a Saudi port city.

The Yemen-based group announced the attack in a statement on Monday (August 24), claiming that a ballistic missile was fired at the vessel, which is owned by Bahri, Saudi Arabia’s national shipping company.

The attack raised concerns over the vessel’s safety. However, Bahri said all crew members aboard the Amjan were safe and that no casualties had been reported. The company said it was maintaining regular communication with the vessel and monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Bahri said the safety of its crew, protection of the marine environment and safe management of the vessel remain its highest priorities.

According to the Houthi military spokesperson, the attack specifically targeted the Saudi-owned vessel near the coast of Yanbu. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis against Saudi interests.

Houthi activity has increased recently in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. Earlier, reports emerged of an attack on a port in Yemen that killed seven people, as well as an attack on a Saudi oil refinery.

In another incident, a cargo ship was attacked twice in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, leaving at least six people dead and 10 others injured.

The attacks have raised concerns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could widen further. With tensions between the United States and Iran also escalating, concerns have grown over the security of the Red Sea and other strategically important maritime routes.

Tags:

Houthi Attack Saudi Oil Tanker Red Sea

Related News

More News

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *