In China’s Gansu province, six people, including an investor, a kindergarten principal and cooks, have been arrested for intentionally adding toxic lead dyes to food that poisoned 247 children. About this informs Xinhua.
An investigation conducted by the local government with the participation of state environmental and medical experts revealed that cooks at the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, Tianshui City regularly added “edible” dyes to the flour used to make pastries for the children and staff. Such food was served several times a month starting in May 2024.
This decision was made on the initiative of the director and with the approval of the investor in order to make the dishes more colorful. However, laboratory tests revealed a critically high lead content of 1,340 mg/kg in the corn buns and 1,052 mg/kg in the date cakes, far exceeding safe levels.
The tests showed that 247 children out of 251 had elevated blood lead levels, including 14 re-detected cases. Also, lead was found in 28 employees of the institution. All affected children have already received treatment – in a hospital or at home. Five pupils who left the kindergarten last year are also undergoing therapy by adjusting their diet.
According to doctors, after the course of treatment, the level of lead in the blood of patients decreased by an average of 40.21%, which corresponds to the established medical goals.
Six suspects were arrested, two of them remain in custody, three have been released on bail pending the completion of the investigation. At the same time, disciplinary authorities are investigating the actions of ten officials, including the head of the regional health committee and the leadership of Tianshui city. The local authorities have promised full support in the treatment of children, including free medical care and financial support for families who turn to medical facilities in other regions.
