Hundreds Sick in Japan from Chinese Dumplings

(Japan) So far, 368 people in 30 Japanese prefectures have become ill from eating frozen gyoza dumplings (potstickers) made in China.

It was revealed Wednesday that 10 people in three families in Chiba and Hyogo prefectures showed symptoms of food poisoning between Dec. 28 and Jan. 22 after eating frozen gyoza dumplings imported by JT Foods Co., an affiliate of Japan Tobacco Inc., and nine were hospitalized.

The two prefectural police forces found methamidophos, an organic phosphorus agricultural chemical, in the dumplings and in their packaging.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry on Thursday urged companies across the nation to stop selling and importing products from the Chinese company that exported the contaminated dumplings.

The products came from a factory of Hebei Foodstuffs Import and Export Group Tianyang Food Processing in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China

Methamidophos is an organophosphorus pesticide which is toxic to humans. When ingested, it produces cramps, convulsions, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately.

Authorities continue to investigate.