US Olympians are brown bagging in Beijing

With all of the recent recalls on food produced in China, as mentioned in a blog last week, the United States Olympic Committee recently announced that they plan to bring its own food to Beijing for the Olympic Games, Aug. 8-24.

"The USOC is planning to transport tons of meat and other foods to a training camp at Beijing Normal University," The Associated Press is reporting. But the athletes will eat their meals at the Athletes Village, which does not allow outside food to be brought in because of doping concerns.

"The U.S. delegation also includes an additional 400-plus personnel — support coaches, trainers, etc. — who are not eligible for food service at the village and therefore will eat most of their meals at Beijing Normal," the story also said.

American athletes will eat some of their meals at Beijing Normal.

The plan is partially out of concern that Chinese-produced meat could lead to athletes failing mandatory drug testing during the games. According to a story in the Feb. 9 New York Times, a USOC caterer in China bought a chicken breast that measured 14 inches — it was big enough to feed eight people.

"We had it tested and it was so full of steroids that we never could have given it to athletes," Frank Puleo told the Times. "They all would have tested positive."

The Times is also reporting that USOC sponsors are preparing to send care packages to American athletes as they aim for Beijing.

"Tyson has provided all United States team members with duffel bags containing a hot pot, a power adaptor, recipes and replenishable pouches of chicken that they can take to international qualifying events over the next few months," the Times reported.

The USOC is the only organization to formally announce its intention to brown bag in Beijing. But some foreign athletes are planning on bringing their own chefs, according to Canada's Toronto Star newspaper.

A Star story is reporting Canadian Olympian Simon Whitfield and his triathlon teammates plan to their chef Cosmo to the Olympics. Hurdler Perdita Felicien also plans to hire a cook.

But after the athletes are done competing, most plan to sample the local cuisine. "That could mean munching on live sea horses or hard-boiled fertilized duck eggs," the Times said.

I think I would probably opt for some edamame. (It's a little piece of Trader Joe's served fresh in Beijing.)

Here is an inside look at Beijing's preparation for serving an estimated 13 million meals.

And if you're really wanting to be in the Olympic spirit, check out the USOC's Amazing Awaits video. Tucsonan Kerri Strug makes a couple appearances.

Until next time, happy eating.