Food poisoning cases rise to 121 in Russia's Buryatia republic

MOSCOW, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of food poisoning cases has risen to 121, including 66 children, in the Republic of Buryatia in Russia's Far East, local media reported Tuesday.

Sixty-seven people, including 40 children, have been hospitalized, said the TASS news agency, citing the regional office of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare.

An outbreak of acute intestinal infection was initially reported on Sunday in the city of Ulan-Ude in the region. Local health authorities said the outbreak was linked to poor-quality prepared food produced by a local company.

Investigative authorities have opened a criminal case. A production manager at the company has been detained and charged. Enditem