The probe has led to arrests and widespread calls for accountability among officials responsible for child safety.
China Unveils Lead Poisoning Cover-Up Involving 200 Children
China Unveils Lead Poisoning Cover-Up Involving 200 Children
A shocking investigation reveals negligence and corruption linked to a severe lead poisoning case in Gansu Province, China.
In a disturbing revelation, Chinese authorities have uncovered a widespread cover-up involving lead poisoning that has affected nearly 200 children at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu Province. An official report released on Sunday detailed how dozens of provincial officials and healthcare staff colluded to downplay the severity of the situation, which has resulted in public outrage.
The investigation found that kindergarten officials used inedible paint to enhance the appearance of meals served to students in a bid to attract more enrollees. Tests later revealed lead levels in food samples were alarmingly high—2,000 times above the national safety standard. Eight individuals were initially detained for their role in this crisis; six, including the principal and cooks, are now under arrest. An additional ten officials will face formal procedures, while another 17 people are currently under disciplinary scrutiny.
On July 8, it was reported that 235 children were being treated for lead poisoning after consuming contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. As of the latest updates, 234 of them have been discharged. Investigators criticized the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for their lackadaisical approach to testing affected students, which contributed to the manipulation of blood test results.
The Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital has also come under fire for "serious dereliction of duty" and a chaotic response to the crisis. Social media users have reacted to the findings, with some praising the transparent reporting, while others demand accountability for those involved.
In response to the outcry, the central government swiftly convened an expert panel to examine procedural oversights and announced new guidelines for food safety in educational institutions. These directives include mandatory testing of all food batches and centralized procurement for essential ingredients such as rice, flour, and cooking oil. Additionally, authorities have pledged free medical treatment for affected children and legal support for their families, while management of Peixin Kindergarten will temporarily transfer to a state-run facility.
The investigation found that kindergarten officials used inedible paint to enhance the appearance of meals served to students in a bid to attract more enrollees. Tests later revealed lead levels in food samples were alarmingly high—2,000 times above the national safety standard. Eight individuals were initially detained for their role in this crisis; six, including the principal and cooks, are now under arrest. An additional ten officials will face formal procedures, while another 17 people are currently under disciplinary scrutiny.
On July 8, it was reported that 235 children were being treated for lead poisoning after consuming contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. As of the latest updates, 234 of them have been discharged. Investigators criticized the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for their lackadaisical approach to testing affected students, which contributed to the manipulation of blood test results.
The Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital has also come under fire for "serious dereliction of duty" and a chaotic response to the crisis. Social media users have reacted to the findings, with some praising the transparent reporting, while others demand accountability for those involved.
In response to the outcry, the central government swiftly convened an expert panel to examine procedural oversights and announced new guidelines for food safety in educational institutions. These directives include mandatory testing of all food batches and centralized procurement for essential ingredients such as rice, flour, and cooking oil. Additionally, authorities have pledged free medical treatment for affected children and legal support for their families, while management of Peixin Kindergarten will temporarily transfer to a state-run facility.
