The students from Central Primary School in Ziyang City in Sichuan province sought treatment after developing symptoms of fever, vomiting and diarrhea, the city government said in a statement.
Out of the total 254 who fell sick, 248 were hospitalised for further treatment at four local hospitals yesterday evening. Six of them were later discharged, state-run Xinhua reported.
The parents have alleged that food served in the school for lunch caused the food poisoning.
The children were initially diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis, according to doctors. All of them are in stable condition, the report said.