UK Chinese Restaurant "Not Foot And Mouth Disease Source"

British Agriculture Minister Nick Brown said on Sunday reports that the foot-and-mouth outbreak came from a Chinese restaurant were racist.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Brown said claims that it had been proven the disease came from waste from a Chinese restaurant were untrue.

His comments followed a meeting with Chinese community leaders earlier this month. Restaurateurs and takeaway owners said their business dropped by up to 40 percent in the wake of the reports.

"I have asked my officials to investigate claims that the source of this story came from within this ministry," he added. " It is down to all of us - politicians, media, farmers - to act responsibly.

"This outbreak has caused great suffering and anguish, and what we need to do is work together to defeat the disease," he added.

There are about 12,000 Chinese takeaways and 3,000 Chinese restaurants in Britain.

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