The number of pupils and teachers suffering from food poisoning in a primary school in south China's Guangdong Province has risen to 151 with 96 admitted to hospital, confirmed local sources Thursday afternoon.

Two teachers and 149 students with age ranging from 6 and 12 were stricken, according to an official with the Haizhu District of Guangzhou City.

The patients are in stable condition and will likely to leave hospital in a couple of days, said the official.

The poisoning occurred on Wednesday when pupils and teachers from the school attached to Zhongshan University in Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong Province, began to suffer abdominal pain and vomiting.

A preliminary analysis of the city's Haizhu District disease prevention and control center show that victims suffered a bacterial food poisoning.

A bureau investigation found the food poisoning was probably caused by soya milk and red bean cakes which the sufferers consumed for a snack.

The food was supplied by Guangzhou Hongyi Food Co., Ltd.

The bureau said the company had a valid health permit issued by the government, but production was ordered to be suspended.

Classes at the school resumed on Thursday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2006)