More than 200 children from Peixin Kindergarten in north-west China faced serious health risks after consuming food embellished with toxic paint. Eight individuals have been arrested as investigations reveal that the food contained lead levels drastically exceeding safety standards, raising alarms about broader food safety regulations in the region.
Tragic Food Safety Breach: Over 200 Children Poisoned by Tainted School Meals in China
Tragic Food Safety Breach: Over 200 Children Poisoned by Tainted School Meals in China
A shocking incident in Gansu province has left 233 children hospitalized due to lead poisoning from food decorated with inedible paint, prompting a police investigation and public outrage.
In a deeply concerning incident in Tianshui City, Gansu province, over 200 children have been hospitalized with lead poisoning after consuming meals decorated with unsafe, inedible paint. The Peixin Kindergarten has come under severe scrutiny as authorities confirm that the food samples tested positive for lead levels 2,000 times beyond the national safety threshold.
A total of 233 children are being treated for high lead levels after consuming steamed red date cake and sausage corn buns, which were tainted due to the negligence of the school's kitchen staff. The school’s principal allegedly instructed the staff to procure the paint online, despite it being labeled as non-edible. Following reports of illness among the children, the authorities excavated the hidden supplies used in these school meals.
Parents, such as Mr. Liu, have expressed deep worry for the long-term health consequences their children may face, citing potential damage to vital organs. His son has begun a 10-day treatment plan after he exhibited symptoms of stomach pain and lack of appetite.
Footage aired by state media revealed kitchen workers applying the hazardous paint to the children's food. Tests disclosed alarming lead concentrations of 1,052mg/kg in the red date cake and 1,340mg/kg in the sausage corn roll, far surpassing the permissible limit of 0.5mg/kg.
In response to the scandal, local law enforcement has arrested the kindergarten principal and seven others, including one key investor, who are now under investigation for alleged production of harmful food items. Parents have voiced their concerns, noting that similar complaints about stomachaches and lethargy had arisen since March.
City officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation, with Tianshui Mayor Liu Lijiang announcing that the event has highlighted significant deficiencies in food safety oversight, committing to implement lessons learned to prevent future incidents.
