Poppy-seed sauce is causing a stir ( 2003-08-20 11:15) (eastday.com)
While poppies play an important role in the manufacture of heroin and opium,
their seeds can also be used to make a delicious, harmless dipping sauce for
hot-pot meals.
That's the message a supplier of a poppy-seed sauce is trying to spread after
several local residents have called the police after spotting the product on
local shelves.
Police have investigated the product but ruled that it isn't illegal in
China. Stores, however, are still being very cautious before stocking anything
customers might relate with opium.
The sauce first appeared in Shanghai in March. It will begin popping up in
many of the city's hypermarkets next month, according to the supplier and
several local retailers.
"The poppy-seed trade company contacted us last Friday, hoping to sell the
goods in our stores," said Feng Yumei, an official with Shanghai Hualian GMS
Shopping Center Co Ltd.
After viewing copies of certificates issued by the Ministry of Health and the
Shanghai Health Bureau stating the product is harmless, the company agreed to
stock the product in its many hypermarkets. But it still wants to see the
original certificates first - just in case.
Feng said the sauce is manufactured using poppies grown in a state-authorized
farm in Gansu Province, while two local trade companies are responsible for the
product's marketing.
The black-and-gray seeds look like sesame seeds, but smaller.
Shanghai Taihong Electronic Technology Development Co Ltd said it started
selling the seeds in the city in March.
"Poppy seeds don't contain the substance that makes people addicted," said Xu
Daofu, Taihong's manager. He said similar products are very popular in Guangdong
Province.
