Shanghai cracks down on toxic hot pots

You might be able to blame your Shanghai hot pot addiction on more than just the winter cold.

The city government is kicking off the new year with a campaign to combat “the illegal use of poppy shells in soup to make it more tasty and addictive to eaters,” according to a state media report.

You knew that sauce was too good to be true.

Officials from the Shanghai Food and Drug Administration announced that they would require local restaurants to show where they get their materials, and open those records to inspection. 

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Although you’re probably safe at larger chains like Dolar Shop and Little Sheep, officials say people should avoid eating at smaller hot pot venues until they’ve been checked out.

"An outlet will be shut down if [poppy shells] are found," said Du Bing, an official at the Shanghai FDA.

In addition to poppy shells, Shanghai FDA inspectors will be on the look out for other illegal food additives recently found in hot pots from neighboring provinces including dangerous chemicals added to increase a hot pot’s porky aroma, spicy level and red color.