Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ellen Pompeo Held by TSA, Bomb Squad Called Over Sunflower Seeds

TSA agents suspected a chemical on the seed packaging, prompting a bomb squad inspection of the unopened bag

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • The incident occurred in March when Pompeo set off security alarms with an unopened bag of organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon.
  • TSA officials detained her for an hour and summoned bomb specialists after flagging a suspected chemical on the packaging.
  • She offered to dispose of the seeds but remained in custody until explosives experts confirmed the snack was harmless, nearly making her miss her flight.
  • In a Travel + Leisure interview published June 3, Pompeo described the surreal ordeal and joked about texting her publicist that no one would believe the reason for her delay.
  • The episode has drawn attention to TSA food rules, underscoring that solid snacks are generally permitted but packaging residues can trigger extra screening.