China busts 35 restaurants using opium poppies as seasoning

According to the regulator, the poppy derivatives (which have been banned since 2013) included codeine and morphine.

Restaurant patrons in China were getting more than their money’s worth when visiting 35 different establishments that were recently shut down by the China Food and Drug Administration – they were getting a sprinkling of possibly addictive opium poppies.

One especially notable location serving up illegally-addictive fare was Beijing’s famous Huda Restaurant, famous for its insanely long lines and unbelievably tasty spicy crayfish.

The China Food and Drug Administration said five restaurants are being prosecuted while an investigation is underway into 30 others. The actual effects that the extra secret ingredient had on the customers are now being looked into by the proper authorities so it is not clear if they indeed offered a buzz or a need to come back and have some more.

Shaanxi Province police busted a noodle seller in 2014 after being tipped off by a failed drug test.

Poppy powder is cheaply and easily purchased in China for about $60 a kilogram and are often hidden mixed with chili powders and oils.

The Chinese authorities are not facing such a problem for the first time.

In 2014, it was revealed a China-based supplier was selling unsanitary and expired chicken meat to KFCs and McDonalds worldwide.

It seems that in China home food really is the best food.