Chinese authorities have arrested six people and launched disciplinary investigations into almost 30 others after more than 230 kindergarten children were poisoned by food coloured with industrial-grade lead paint in Gansu province. The incident, one of China's worst school food safety cases, has drawn national attention.
An investigative report released by the Gansu provincial party committee found that the kindergarten principal wanted to attract more enrolments by 'enhancing' the colour of food. The cook bought industrial-grade pigment online, adding it to dishes despite warnings it was 'not for consumption'. One pigment had lead levels 400,000 times the safe legal limit.
Initially, 235 students were hospitalised with stomach pain, nausea, and blackened teeth. Final tests showed 247 students and staff, including the principal, had elevated blood lead levels. Six staff have been arrested for knowingly serving toxic food, and 27 others face disciplinary investigations.
The report revealed failures at multiple levels. The provincial disease control centre mishandled the case, and a hospital illegally modified test results to show lower lead levels. The local education bureau was accused of ignoring the kindergarten's lack of a licence and failing to conduct food safety inspections for two years.
China's top anti-corruption authorities have opened investigations into government officials and hospital management. The children have been treated, with blood lead levels dropping by an average of 40%, and all but one have been discharged. The provincial government expressed deep apologies to the children and parents.
