There is no outbreak of disease caused by pork dishes in China's
capital, an official with the municipal health bureau said on
Saturday.
Zhao Chunhui, deputy head of the bureau, refuted a rumor spread
via cell phone text messages which said "Don't eat pork! Pork in
Beijing has been contaminated by a virus that can cause pyogenic
encephalitis."
"It's simply not true," said Zhao. Zhao also refuted a rumor
that the presidents of major hospitals in Beijing had held an
emergency meeting on the issue.
"Pork sold in Beijing has to meet strict standards. It is
perfectly fit for consumption," said Zhao.
(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2007)