China-Japan dumpling debate continues

BEIJING, March 6 (UPI) -- Officials in China and Japan have yet to resolve a dispute about which country contaminated a shipment of tainted Chinese-made dumplings.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Thursday his government's investigation of who is to blame for recent food poisoning cases in connection to the dumplings, would continue, Xinhua reported Thursday.

Qin reportedly said the Chinese government has historically seen food safety as an important matter and has taken a very responsible stance regarding foreign and domestic consumers.

China hopes authorities from both countries will continue strengthening communications, increase cooperation and maintain a "calm, objective, open and scientific" attitude while investigating, Qin said.

China wants to secure a long-term food safety system with Japan to assure effective and time efficient bilateral agreements in potential future investigations.