Drugged food is yet another safety concern to watch out for in China. A restaurant owner in Shaanxi Province has admitted to secretly infusing his noodles with poppy shells (from which opium is made) in order to keep diners coming back. The plan was reportedly working until he got caught. Police began their investigation after one repeat customer tested positive for opiates in a routine urine test and landed in prison for drug use. The doses the restaurant owner used were high enough to addict consumers over a long period of time. But this isn’t an isolated event. Restaurants all over China have been found to use morphine, codeine and narceine — all obtained from opium — as the “secret ingredient” in their foods.
The News Desk team at Food Safety News covers breaking developments, regulatory updates, recalls, and key topics shaping food safety today. These articles are produced collaboratively by our editorial staff.
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As part of its enforcement activities, the Food and Drug Administration sends warning letters to entities under its jurisdiction. Some letters are not posted for public view until weeks or
Registration is now open for the 2026 Food Safety Summit, taking place May 11–14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
Recognized as one of the
