Local health authorities said 87 people from three villages in northwestern China's Gansu Province were evaluated for food poisoning early Wednesday.

The authorities in Yuzhong County, which administers the villages, said 28 of those people were hospitalized and 59 more were under observation. No deaths have been reported so far.

The problems surfaced on Tuesday at noon at Xuanmatan, Xiaoshuizi and Xieluwa villages. The victims developed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The county launched an emergency plan for food-safety incidents, and 42 doctors and nurses were dispatched to provide emergency services.

Local police are investigating vendors who sold niangpi, a traditional steamed snack made from wheat. These items are believed to be behind the food poisoning cases. Niangpi is popular in the northwest, including Gansu and Qinghai.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2009)