35 Restaurants In China Busted For Using Opium Poppies As Food Seasoning

China's Food and Drug Administration recently discovered that 35 restaurants across the country have been using opium poppies as an ingredient to their dishes. The restaurants were busted after authorities conducted thorough inspections. Among the restaurants confirmed to have used the illegal substance was the famous Huda Restaurant in Beijing which used opium poppy as seasoning to their snacks and meals.

On January 22,  reported that the Food and Drug Administration of the Chinese government found opium poppies in 35 restaurants across China after it conducted thorough inspections. The report said that these restaurants, including the famous Huda Restaurant in Beijing, have utilized this drug as seasoning to their popular snacks and dishes.

VOA News reported that five restaurants are currently being prosecuted while the remaining 30 are still under investigation. Some of the restaurant owners were also transferred to the country's public security departments for criminal investigation.

The administration urged the local drug and food authorities to impose punishments and sanctions on these restaurants. They are also tasked to work together with the public security departments to find and capture the sources of the opium poppies. Authorities are called to strengthen their inspection and supervision over other restaurants across the country, particularly those that are engaged in selling fried chickens, noodles and hot pots.

"There are so many restaurants in China, and it is very difficult to inspect effectively every one of them to ensure they all follow the law," said Luo Yunbo, a professor at China Agricultural University.

Yunbo said that adding opium poppies to food may cause serious harm to people's health especially if these were used in frequency.

The use of opium poppies in cooking snacks and dishes constitutes a violation to China's Food and Safety Law. Restaurants and food businesses are allowed to sell products with additives but are prohibited from selling food made with chemicals or non-food materials.

"Overall food safety is closely linked to the development and education of a nation," Yunbo said. "It requires a long period to improve food safety."

In 2004 more than 200 restaurants in Guizhou Province were shut down for using the same substance as an additive to their dishes.