One of Connecticut’s Most Popular Trader Joe’s Seasonings Banned in South Korea

Imagine a scenario where you take an "Everything Bagel," remove the bagel itself, and what remains is one of Connecticut's most beloved seasonings. Trader Joe's has garnered a rabid following, thanks in part to unique products like their "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning.

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Connecticut hosts 9 Trader Joe's locations:

• Danbury
• Orange
• Darien
• Stamford
• Fairfield
• West Hartford
• Glastonbury
• Westport
• Manchester

While there are roughly 590 more across the United States, Trader Joe's products remain a coveted item internationally. So, it's no surprise that international visitors to the U.S. often seek to bring home items like "Everything But the Bagel" seasoning.

However, this has sparked a controversy in South Korea, where the spice has been banned. According to the Washington Post, via Bro Bible:

Customs officials at Incheon International Airport in Seoul are now vigilant about travelers arriving with bottles of Everything But The Bagel seasoning, along with other related products. South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety categorizes these items as "hazardous foods purchased overseas.

Why the ban? South Korea classifies poppy seeds as narcotics due to their role in opiate production.

This is absurd, people (Koreans & Me) just want to live, breathe and slam bagels down our throats. People love everything bagels, and the poppy seed is a major player in the Everything Bagel lineup. Imagine the Avengers without Iron Man – they'd be trash.

Hey South Korea, lighten up! The least you can do is let our bagel spices into your country after we had to put up with Psy's Gangnam Style. That piece of crap left a residue on our beautiful country we'll never be able to wash off.

Check out the Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Podcast on Apple and Spotify

P.S. This is literally what Elaine went through with Mr. Peterman and the poppy seeds.