Doping bosses issue urgent Chinese meat warning

Tennis players have been given fair warning by anti-doping bosses that eating animal protein during the autumn run of Chinese ATP and WTA events could expose them to banned substances.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) laid down the law with the China Open now underway in Beijing.

“Players are urged to understand the risks of eating meat in these countries (China, Mexico and Guatemala) during tournaments and seek other sources of protein (such as plant-based, or fish) where possible.”

Officials said that no mercy will be shown if a competitor returns a positive doping test as a result of consuming meat, chicken or pork in China, where standards are said to be lax when compared to Western food safety protocols.

The anti-doping bureaucrats suggested eating protein only at official tournament hotels on site, adding that they should feel free to inquire about the provenance of the food if necessary.

They are also advised to keep a food diary.

Reports indicate that Chinese farmers willingly use steroids including clenbuterol and ractopamine and other banned substances which promote fast animal growth.

The steroids , with the ITIA also stating that players should keep a detailed food diary to assist any potential anti-doping investigation should they test positive for a banned substance.