Six people, including a kindergarten investor, principal and cooks, were arrested in northwest China's Gansu Province after deliberately adding toxic lead-containing pigments to children's food, which poisoned 247 pre-schoolers, a government investigation reported on Sunday.
The investigation, ordered by Gansu's provincial leadership and involving state environmental and health experts, concluded that cooks at the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, Tianshui City, added pigments clearly labeled "inedible" into flour to make corn rolls and date cakes. These pastries have been served to children and staff on a monthly basis since May 2024.
The kindergarten principal directed the practice to make food appear more colourful and attractive for marketing, with the approval of the kindergarten's investor. Laboratory analysis of kindergarten food samples detected excessive lead concentrations -- 1,340 mg/kg in corn rolls and 1,052 mg/kg in date cakes, both significantly above permissible limits.
Of the kindergarten's 251 children tested, 247 had abnormal blood lead levels (including 14 additional cases identified during follow-up testing), as well as 28 staff members.
As of Sunday noon, all 247 children with abnormal blood lead levels had received either hospitalization or home-based nutritional intervention. A total of 234 children have completed their first treatment course and have been discharged from hospitals, with one child remaining hospitalized. Five children who left the kindergarten last year were found with abnormal blood lead levels and are currently receiving nutritional intervention at home.
Clinical evaluation by experts demonstrated an average decrease of 40.21 percent in blood lead levels following treatment, achieving the projected therapeutic targets.
Police authorities have arrested six suspects, including two who are in criminal detention and three who have been released on bail pending further investigation. The case remains under active investigation. Provincial disciplinary authorities are investigating 10 local officials, including the provincial health commission director and Tianshui city leaders.
The Gansu provincial government pledged full support for the children's medical care, including free treatment and financial assistance for families choosing to seek medical treatment elsewhere.
