A British mine worker has reportedly been arrested in Kyrgyzstan after comparing its national dish to a horse's penis on Facebook.
Scotsman Michael McFeat was held after posting a picture of Kyrgyz co-workers queuing for a "chuchuk" horsemeat sausage, with a caption comparing the spicy delicacy to a stallion's genitalia, the AFP news agency said.
It was reported that the caption upset his co-workers to such an extent that they called a brief strike at the Kumtor goldmine where he works.
Mr McFeat has deleted the post but put an apology on his Facebook page on Saturday, saying: "I would like to take the opportunity to sincerely appologise (sic) for the comment I made on here about the kygyz people and horses penis. I truly never meant to offened (sic) anyone and im truly sorry as it was never my intension.
"I would also like to say the people in the picture had absolutely nothing to do with it. again im very very sorry."
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are in contact with the local authorities after a British national was detained in Kyrgyzstan and are ready to provide consular assistance."
It was reported Mr McFeat faces up to five years in prison.
The Kumtor open pit mine is the largest gold mine in Central Asia and its output accounts for more than one-third of the country's export of goods and services, according to its website.
It is operated by Canadian firm Centerra Gold, based in Toronto. The company is currently unavailable for comment.