The Chinese government has been facing increasing pressure to improve the quality of its air and its exported toys. But what about domestically produced foods? In an unusually bold step, the Chinese government has banned food production in an agricultural center of approximately 8 million acres. The ongoing production of fruits and vegetables was banned because the government has certified that the soil in the region is inundated with industrial pollutants.
The US Department of Agriculture is now allowing chicken from China to be exported to the US for use in processed chicken products. This will affect an extremely small portion of poultry producers in China as the vast majority have not met the stringent US processing plant standards.
Meanwhile, it has been alleged that hot dog and sausage casings are being sent to China for fabrication with the end products exported back to the USA.
US travelers to China may encounter unusually high standards, top-name chef’s, three-star Michelin restaurants, and high-quality organic produce. But that is not what typical Chinese residents or tourists on a budget consume on a daily basis. We are currently recommending the following approach to dining in China for visitors from the US:
TEN THINGS TRAVELERS TO CHINA SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD
01 – Don’t take the words of China-based US workers or ex-pats too seriously. They may have built up an immunity that the casual traveler does not have.
02 – As a general rule, try to ascertain the source of chicken, pork, and lamb before consuming.
03 – Always avoid ice cubes – even in the swankiest restaurant
04 – Hot, wok-seared dishes are usually safe.
05 – Always drink bottled water exclusively while in China. Carbonated water is better than still water.
06 – Beer is fine but locally produced wines may contain dangerous chemical additives.
07 – Exercise caution at the cold, front-end of buffets.
08 – Do not expect any but the lowest-cost and quality cooking oils to be used in conjunction with fried foods
09 – Never eat fruit tarts or fruit salads. The safest fruits are those you peel yourself.
10 – Generally speaking, Chinese sauces are safe but most are laden with cornstarch and sugars.
