In brief
Li Huifang, who ran the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten, received a life sentence for producing toxic food that left hundreds of children with dangerously high blood lead levels. The investigation uncovered chefs using inedible paint to enhance meals, and executives who instructed staff to add toxic ingredients. Four kitchen staff received six to eight years each, while the principal was sentenced to 15 years and fined. The case led China to release new food‑safety guidelines for school meals. Authorities also uncovered attempts to cover up the incident by tampering with tests and accepting bribes.
A nursery owner and five staff members were jailed after they poisoned more than 200 children with lead‑tainted food.
Li Huifang, who ran the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu province, received a life sentence for producing and selling toxic food, state media reported.
The investigation began in July 2025 when 247 pupils and staff at the nursery were found with abnormally high blood lead levels after the children fell ill.
Police found that chefs had used inedible paint to “enhance the look” of meals, despite the paint being clearly marked as non‑edible.
The Lanzhou Intermediate People’s Court also ordered the confiscation of 500,000 yuan of Li’s personal assets.
Executive principal Zhi Jinglin received 15 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 yuan, while four kitchen staff members got between six and eight years each.
Food samples proved that the lead content was 2,000 times higher than the national safety limit.
The lead levels in red date cakes and sausage corn buns were 1,052 mg kg⁻¹ and 1,340 mg kg⁻¹, far above the China threshold of 0.5 mg kg⁻¹.
Doctors warned that lead poisoning can severely damage the brains and central nervous systems of young children.
Officials also uncovered attempts by provincial officials and hospital staff to cover up the incident by tampering with tests and accepting bribes.
Following the case, China issued new national guidelines for school meals, including mandatory testing for every batch and centralized procurement of staples.
Kitchen staff was instructed to use inedible paint to enhance the look of meals to attract more students, the court found.
