In 2019, two new Czech guild standards were registered. They were originally registered under the name Český modrý mák (“Czech Blue Poppy”). In 2022, the standard was renamed to Modrý mák (and for the ground variant, Modrý mák mletý). For white poppy seeds, the standard Bělosemenný mák was registered. In 2026, all three standards were unified and renamed to “MÁK” (= means poppy).
The Czech Guild Standard for Mák was registered under number 2026-04-28-0554
For easier registration, use the guidance notes below and adjust Appendix No. 5 accordingly.
- Guidelines for applicants for the Czech Guild Standard for Blue Poppy (whole or ground) and White-seeded Poppy (in CZ)
- Appendix No. 5: Application for inclusion of a food in the List of Foods Meeting the Requirements of Czech Guild Standards
Consumers now have in their hands a unique tool enabling them to choose poppy seeds of Czech origin in stores — and, above all, products that deliver a gourmet experience. Such poppy seeds have a typical sweet taste and a distinct poppy aroma.
The standard applies to seeds of the annual form of the blue-seeded (or white-seeded) poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) of the oil type, obtained from varieties registered in the Czech Republic and currently listed in the State Variety Register, which meet the criteria of food-grade poppy seeds. It also covers varieties listed in the European Catalogue (see the EU catalogue below).
Recently, new varieties of winter blue-seeded poppy (Olaf, Pingu, Sven, Husky, Avatar, Panter, Emanuel) have been bred — the guild standard can also be applied to these varieties:
A) Blue-seeded poppy
- Agat
- Aplaus
- Aristo
- Avatar
- Azurit
- Bergam
- Emanuel
- Gerlach
- Husky
- Major
- Maratón
- Mieszko
- MS Diamant
- MS Harlekyn
- MS Topas
- MS Zafir
- Olaf
- Onyx
- Opal
- Opex
- Orbis
- Orfeus
- Oz
- Panter
- Pingu
- Przemko
- Sedan
- Sven
- Titan
- Zeno Plus
Note: Varieties shown in bold have been approved since 2024.
B) White-seeded poppy
- Albín
- Borowski Bialy
- Orel
- Racek
- Sokol
Czech poppy labeled with the logo of the Czech Guild Standard is guaranteed to have a lower content of morphine alkaloids and thus meets the requirements of Czech food safety regulations. In the case of Czech Poppy certified as “Produced under the Czech Guild Standard,” thermal stabilization is not permitted, and such seeds cannot be mixed with technical poppy seeds produced for pharmaceutical use.
Blue Poppy or White-seeded Poppy products bearing the “Produced under the Czech Guild Standard” logo guarantee consumers 100% Czech origin and food-grade quality.
