Chinese Athletes Banned from Eating Pork

In the latest food safety concern, the Chinese Sports Administration has banned athletes from eating pork—for fear they might fail drug tests.

The ban comes after a Guangzhou Asian Games gold medalist rower revealed on Sina Weibo that lean meat powder was found in pork exclusive for athletes.

Huang Wenyi—currently preparing for the London Olympics—wrote on Saturday, "Is there any food safe to eat in China?"

With the latest ban on pork, along with beef and mutton, Chinese athletes are only allowed to have chicken and fish when eating out.

Lean meat powder stimulates the adrenal glands and the nervous system. It's harmful to humans and is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

[Zhou Lingguo, Chongqing Nutrition Association Board Member]:
“Lean meat powder is a type of hormone. If taken excessively by humans, it could induce a rapid heartbeat and affect metabolism. Therefore it can damage the liver and adrenal glands.”

Former national basketball player Chen Kai said Chinese authorities do not care about the athletes’ health.

[Chen Kai, Former National Basketball Player]:
"The authorities probably don’t want to attract international attention, if something bad is found during blood tests. They are more afraid of international pressure, rather than worried how this will hurt Chinese athletes."

Chinese swimmer Ouyang Kunpeng and US swimmer Jessica Hardy were banned from the Beijing Olympics. Both failed the tests for Clenbuterol—known as lean meat powder.

In 2009, the 2008 Judo Olympic gold medalist Tong Wen was also banned for the same reason. Chinese Olympic winner in weightlifting Liao Hui may join the Clenbuterol victims’ list.

The latest food safety concern has attracted another wave of outcry from netizens.

One entrepreneur wrote, "We fear to eat, fear to drink, and even fear to breathe. I don’t know how we will survive like this."

Another wrote, "Pork is dangerous. Beef and mutton are also dangerous. Chicken is known for its high level of female hormones. Fishponds are full of antibiotics. Milk could be lethal…tell me what should I feed my child with?"