Nearly 70 people have sought medication after eating at a wedding banquet in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local authorities said Monday.

They suffered nausea, vomiting, stomachache and diarrhea Sunday afternoon after finishing a feast at a wedding ceremony held at Jiaoyuan Hotel in Korla City, Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bayingolin, said a spokesman with the prefecture's health bureau.

All the sick were immediately sent to nearby hospitals, the spokesman said.

A total of 16 people were being treated at the prefecture's No.1 People's Hospital Monday. They were in a stable condition, he said.

Thirty-eight people were under medical observation at the same hospital. Some others suffering minor symptoms had been discharged from hospital, he added.

The hotel has suspended operation and police have launched an investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2010)