Thirty-one Chinese died of food poisoning during the second quarter, the Ministry of Health said in a statement Friday.

From April to June, a total of 2,227 people suffered from food poisoning in 51 cases reported nationwide, it said.

Among the fatalities, 16 died of eating poisonous mushrooms or plants, and three died of nitrite poisoning, it noted.

During the period, 15 cases of student food poisoning were reported, with 1,383 students sickened and two dead, according to the statement.

The ministry has warned of food contamination risks and required its local branches to pay high attention to food and drinking water safety.