Chinese shun meat due to doping fear

Chinese athletes are swearing off meat ahead of the London Olympics out of fear that domestic pork, beef and lamb could contain substances banned under anti-doping rules.

Chinese athletes are swearing off meat ahead of the London Olympics out of fear that domestic pork, beef and lamb could contain substances banned under anti-doping rules.

They are instead relying on protein powder and fish to meet the high protein needs of top-class athletes, the Yangtze Evening News reported.

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At least 196 competitors under China’s National Aquatics Centre, which governs swimming, diving and other water sports, have been off meat for the past 40 days.

Authorities are particularly concerned that they could unwittingly consume clenbuterol, which is banned for food production in China but has been found in contaminated pork.