Authorities in northwestern China have detained the principal of Peixin Kindergarten after more than 200 children fell ill from lead poisoning believed to have been caused by contaminated food. According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV, blood tests revealed “abnormal” lead levels in 233 children from the school located in Tianshui city. Of this number, 201 children have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
The investigation uncovered that the lead poisoning was linked to the consumption of three-colour steamed date cakes and corn rolls, both served as meals at the kindergarten. Shockingly, the lead content in these food items exceeded national safety limits by over 2,000 times. While the legal threshold for lead in wheat and starch is 0.5 milligrams per kilogram, the date cakes recorded 1,052 milligrams, and the corn rolls showed 1,340 milligrams per kilogram.
Footage reviewed by investigators showed kitchen staff mixing yellow food colouring — purchased online and later found to be industrial paint pigment — into the flour used for the meals. These pigments were marked as “not for consumption” but were still used in meal preparation.
Following public outrage and swift action by the authorities, the principal, identified only by her surname Zhu, and an investor named Li were arrested alongside six other individuals. Two additional suspects have been granted bail pending trial.
The incident has reignited concerns over food safety in China, a country that has grappled with several scandals in the past, including the 2008 tainted milk crisis that affected hundreds of thousands of infants. Despite improvements in regulatory oversight, recent cases, like the one involving recycled fuel containers used to transport cooking oil, have continued to stir public fear.
Parents had previously reported symptoms in their children such as stomach pain, nausea, and even teeth discolouration. These early warnings led to the official investigation that exposed the shocking contamination levels.
Authorities have assured that other kindergartens affiliated with Peixin have been tested, and so far, no similar contamination has been found.
As the affected families seek answers and treatment for their children, this case underscores the critical need for stringent food safety enforcement, especially in institutions caring for young and vulnerable populations.
#ChinaNews #LeadPoisoning #ChildHealth
