Suspected food poisoning sickens 160 in S China

Employees of the Hsu Chi Food Co. Ltd are sent to a hospital in Dongguan, south China's Guangdong Province, June 11, 2013. A total of 160 staff from the food company were suspected of suffering from food poisoning, a company source said on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Wu Lu)

A total of 160 staff from a food company in south China's Guangdong Province were suspected of suffering from food poisoning, a company source said on Wednesday.

They had symptoms of chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache and diarrhea after having dinner at the third canteen of the Dongguan Hsu Chi Food Co. Ltd based in Dongguan City on Monday, said Sun Tianzhen, a media relations officer of Hsu Fu Chi International Ltd. told Xinhua.

Dongguan Hsu Chi Food Co. Ltd. is a subsidiary of Hsu Fu Chi International Ltd.

A 57-year-old female plate washer at the canteen was found dead at her dormitory on Tuesday but it is yet to know whether her death is connected with food poisoning or not, said Sun.

The woman had asked for leave on Sunday and Monday.

As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 103 staff had gone to hospitals for treatment. Most of them came back to the factory after treatment and there are 45 remaining in hospital for treatment, she said.

The canteen has been sealed up.

Food samples have been sent to relevant departments for examination. The result is expected to be released within three to five days, according to the Dongguan municipal food and drug administration.