CNN apologizes for its 'revolting food' remark
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CRI, July 8, 2011
CNN's division CNNGo.com has officially apologized for its recent remarks which labeled the traditional Chinese dish 'Pi Dan' (century egg, also known as preserved egg) as the "most revolting food", the Wuhan Evening Post reported Friday.
Hubei Shendan Food Company Ltd, along with his 3,000 employees, sent a letter of protest to CNN accusing CNNGo's recent report about the traditional Chinese snack, century eggs, of being "unscientific and disrespectful". It urged the media organization to revoke the opinion and apologize to 'Pi Dan' consumers worldwide.
Andrew Demaria, CNNGo Editor in Chief, posted a statement on the homepage of the website Thursday saying, "We apologize unreservedly for any offense the article has inadvertently caused".
The statement addressed the fact that the article had listed the century egg as the first item amongst a list of "revolting" food and said it "was not a ranking in any way nor should be interpreted as such". The items were numbered simply to order them on the article page.
The statement also made clear that these were not opinions of either CNNGo or CNN. Each choice of "revolting" food was the opinion of the iReporters, who are part of CNN's global audience and submit their own opinions to assignments that CNN suggest.
Andrew also indicated that he personally loves century egg and likes it most with some pickled ginger at his favorite Hong Kong restaurant.
The statement concluded that the article "was not meant to offend in any way anyone who likes century eggs, anyone who dislikes century eggs, any century egg manufacturers, anyone who works in the manufacturing or serving of century egg and especially Chinese culture".
Liu Huaqiao, president of Hubei Shendan Food Co., Ltd. said the company accepted the apology and appreciated netizens' support nationwide. The company has also invited the iReporter who wrote the article to come to China and get to know more about the century egg culture.
