Eight Detained Over Toxic Food Production Linked to Lead Poisoning at Gansu Kindergarten

Following the alarming discovery of elevated blood lead levels among children at Peixin Kindergarten in the Maiji district of Tianshui city, Gansu province, eight people have been criminally detained on suspicion of their roles in producing toxic food. This information comes from a report shared by a joint investigation team, which also notes that two individuals have been released on bail while awaiting trial.

The investigation began on July 1 after the Market Supervision Bureau and the Public Security Bureau received reports regarding the health of some children at the kindergarten. As a result, both authorities quickly initiated an inquiry. By the evening of the following Monday, all 251 children had undergone physical examinations, revealing that 233 had abnormal blood lead levels, while only 18 children tested within the normal range.

In addition to the findings at Peixin Kindergarten, other nearby institutions—Weibei, Ciai, and Mondi'ai Kindergartens, which share the same investor—showed normal examination results. Meanwhile, a specialized expert group has been assembled to provide medical assistance to the affected children.

Food safety tests indicated that out of 223 samples taken, 221 met national safety standards. However, two food samples from Peixin Kindergarten were deemed unqualified, including a three-color red date sponge cake and corn sausage rolls, which contained lead concentrations of 1,052 mg/kg and 1,340 mg/kg, respectively—significantly surpassing the acceptable limit of 0.5 mg/kg for food contaminants. The investigation revealed that the principal of the kindergarten, along with the investor, had permitted kitchen staff to purchase colored pigments online, which were then diluted and used in food preparation.