Ellen Pompeo, star of Grey’s Anatomy, recently revealed a surprising incident at an airport where her organic sunflower seeds from Erewhon prompted a security response that involved a bomb squad. The incident, which occurred in March, resulted in the actress being detained for an hour by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers.
During an interview with Travel + Leisure, Pompeo shared how what seemed like an innocent snack choice led to an unexpected security situation. The TSA’s concern was reportedly triggered by a potential chemical detected on the packaging of the premium organic sunflower seeds she was carrying.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the actress recounted the surreal experience to her publicist, stating, “I might not get on this plane, and you’re never gonna guess why!” Despite offering to dispose of the seeds, TSA officials insisted on waiting for the bomb squad to examine the unopened package. The incident nearly caused Pompeo to miss her flight.
Flying anxiety and family dynamics shape Pompeo’s travel experiences
The 55-year-old actress, who admits to being a nervous flier, typically relies on holding her children’s hands during takeoffs for comfort. She acknowledges this might inadvertently transfer her anxiety to her kids, Stella Luna (15), Sienna May (10), and Eli Christopher (8), whom she shares with husband Chris Ivery.
Heads up, Y'all!
— Eric Standlee Alternative Funding Guy (@standlee_eric) June 3, 2025Ever heard about Ellen Pompeo's airport drama with sunflower seeds? It's a wild reminder that even everyday items can trigger TSA alarms!
To avoid delays (and maybe even a bomb squad call-out!), be mindful of bringing items with ingredients like glycerin or…
The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of carry-on items at airports, even when they appear to be ordinary snacks. What makes this situation particularly notable is that the item in question came from Erewhon, a high-end organic market known for its premium products.
Pompeo, who has been married to music producer Chris Ivery since 2007, maintains a busy schedule balancing her acting career with family life. While the airport incident was stressful, she managed to maintain her sense of humor about the situation, expressing disbelief at the extensive security response to organic sunflower seeds.
The actress’s travel experience stands in stark contrast to her on-screen drama in Grey’s Anatomy, where she has portrayed Dr. Meredith Grey. While her character regularly handles high-pressure situations in the medical drama, this real-life airport security incident proved to be an unexpected source of tension during what should have been a routine flight.
