Do you worry about "gutter oil"?
 

If you haven't seen this discussed:
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/a...eads-hong-kong

http://time.com/3300093/taiwan-gutte...ucks-7-eleven/
"gutter oil — a potentially harmful blend of oil extracted from food waste, offal and the byproducts of tanneries."

I've never been too worried when eating overseas, even from street vendors. Nor have I given more than a moment's thought to food safety at restaurants anywhere, and I've survived quite nicely.

But I am wondering now about fried food in Hong Kong. Even if they don't use "gutter oil", maybe it's still gross? Would this change your eating habits on a trip to HK? Should I just try to forget about it?

Well, it's always good to be careful. You know what they say: better safe than sorry. Try reading up about restaurants in places you're gonna be: reviews, opinions, their pages and then make a plan of places safe to it in and those to avoid. I would definitely avoid eating from unknown source.

I've never worried about eating in Hong Kong, but then I don't eat street food. But in mainland China, the least of your problems is gutter oil - the Chinese have regularly shipped spoiled foods to major corporations (like McDonalds - I don't eat there either!).

I can understand the arguments against street food, but in this case, the gutter oil products were going to Starbucks among other places. I suppose spoiled food is worse, and I did read about that too.

Most food in China won't kill you quickly. But assume a lot (meaning a significant portion but DOES NOT MEAN "most" ) of food contain harmful stuff. Not an issue really for travellers, but if someone's considering moving to China, especially with young children, it's really something to think about.

Good to know that you are so wise Kathie. Yes, McDonalds ranks up there with Henry Ford in bringing contaminating and evil western ideas, and products, to the masses of the 3rd world.