January 31, 2008

China to investigate dumpling poisoning in Japan
 

China's quality watchdog has recalled pesticide-contaminated dumplings from Japan and initiated an investigation after 10 people have fallen ill from eating the dumplings.
 
A Japanese Health Ministry official said it was not clear whether the dumplings were contaminated in China or Japan.

China's quality regulator said they had quickly contacted relevant parties in Japan to understand the situation and have already started investigations. It added that they would release the investigation results in a timely manner.

Japan Tobacco Inc said its subsidiary, JT Foods Co, would recall the frozen dumplings and other food products made at the same Chinese factory. Television broadcasters have also flashed warnings to viewers not to eat those products.

According to Japan's Health Ministry, a family of five that ate the dumplings are still in hospital, including a five-year-old girl who had at one point, been in critical condition.

No widespread health hazards have hit Japan since 2000 when more than 14,000 people fell ill after drinking tainted milk.