Asian food to take up 1/3 of menu at Olympic Village

Asian food will make up about one-third of the menu at the Olympic Village next summer, with a final menu to be approved on January 1, officials from the Beijing Olympic organizing committee said Tuesday.

"The Olympic menu has passed the first round of examination and culinary experts have given it a positive evaluation," said Xiang Ping, deputy director of BOCOG's Games Services Department.

"The menu will be sent for final approval next January before further steps are taken," she added.

As required by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic menu will reflect international tastes based on the concept of sharing and mutual respect.

"The IOC suggested we avoid highlighting religious food in the menu, so we won't set up special areas for people with certain religious requirements, but only designate special foods stands. Everyone will be free to choose their favorite food," Xiang said.

As for food hygiene, a strict tracking system will secure the safety of all the ingredients during the production process. Officials will keep samples of all the food for further testing if necessary.

"All 350 ingredients that fall under the 10 basic food categories for the Beijing Games are under close supervision and inspection by the Beijing Food Security Office, and suppliers are also selected using the strictest standards," she said.

"Only those who pass all examinations before the Games will be qualified to serve at the Olympics."