The Dangers of Shrimp-Washing Powder and How to Spot It: What You Need to Know Before Eating Shrimp

Shrimp-washing powder is a chemical powder often used to quickly clean crayfish and other aquatic products. According to widespread reports, its main ingredient is mostly oxalic acid, and acidic substances such as citric acid are sometimes added to adjust the smell. Some vendors use it mainly to save the trouble of scrubbing each shrimp one by one, making the shells quickly become clean and shiny.

Oxalic acid is strongly acidic and corrosive, able to dissolve dirt and dark spots on the surface of shrimp shells, and the cleaning effect appears immediate. However, this also means that acidic substances may remain on the surface of the treated shrimp, and if they are not rinsed thoroughly, these substances will enter the food along with the cooking.

From a health perspective, ingesting excessive oxalic acid may irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, and it can also interfere with the body's absorption of minerals such as calcium; long-term exposure poses even greater risks. Therefore, shrimp-washing powder is generally not permitted for use in food processing, and shrimp products sold through legitimate channels are usually not treated with such chemicals.

When shopping, consumers can pay more attention to the appearance of the shrimp. If the shrimp shells are unusually white and shiny, carry an obvious sour smell, or show almost no dirt in the gaps between the swimming legs after washing, you should be on alert. After buying them and taking them home, rinse them repeatedly under running clean water and use a brush to focus on scrubbing the belly and the gaps at the joints, which can reduce the risk of residue to a certain extent.

Overall, shrimp-washing powder is not an ordinary kitchen cleaning product, but a chemical product with food safety controversies. When eating crayfish or shrimp in daily life, it is advisable to buy from legitimate markets and, after taking them home, clean them thoroughly and heat them fully; this is the safer approach.