When it comes to food safety in Shanghai, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure you’re making safe choices:
General Safety of Food in Shanghai
Shanghai has made significant improvements in food safety standards over the years. According to recent data:
Overall Food Safety Monitoring Pass Rate: In 2023, the monitoring pass rate for major foods in Shanghai was 99.2%, indicating a high level of safety.
Public Awareness and Satisfaction: The public’s knowledge score on food safety was 91.0, and the satisfaction score was 90.9, both reaching historical highs.
Safe Eating Practices
To further ensure the food you consume is safe, here are some guidelines:
Opt for Cooked Foods:
Stick to foods that are fully cooked and served hot. Avoid raw or undercooked meats and seafood to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Street Food:
Be cautious with street food. While it may not be immediately harmful, there are risks of long-term health effects due to varying hygiene standards.
Restaurants:
Choose reputable restaurants and eateries known for their cleanliness and food safety practices. Some recommended healthy restaurants include:
Element Fresh Restaurant
Sproutworks – Super Brand Mall Shop
Hunter Gatherer
Pure and Whole
Green & Safe.
Supermarkets:
Shop at reputable supermarkets such as Carrefour, Ole Supermarket, BLT, Freshmart, and Pines City. These places offer a good selection of fresh produce and healthy ingredients.
Packaged and Imported Foods:
Foods such as drinks, frozen foods, canned goods, and dairy products have been reported to have high safety compliance rates, often reaching 100% in monitoring.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods should be avoided unless you are sure about their source and preparation:
Raw Green Vegetables: Due to pesticide concerns and hygiene issues.
Dairy Products: Unless from a trusted source, as they can sometimes be improperly stored.
Live Fish and Shellfish: These can sometimes harbor harmful bacteria if not prepared properly.
Summary
While Shanghai boasts a high standard of food safety, sticking to certain guidelines can help mitigate risks:
Favor cooked and hot foods.
Be selective with street food and prefer established eateries.
Trustworthy supermarkets and packaged foods usually meet high safety standards.
Be cautious with certain raw or potentially unsafe foods.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the diverse and delicious food offerings in Shanghai with greater peace of mind.
