Authorities in Gansu province have detained eight individuals following the discovery of elevated lead levels in the blood of over 200 children attending a kindergarten. The incident involves Peixin Kindergarten, a privately operated institution located in the Maiji district of Tianshui city, which opened in 2022 and has an enrollment of 251 children. The detained individuals include the principal and the investor of the kindergarten. Two other individuals implicated in the case have been released on bail awaiting trial, according to a joint investigation report.
The investigation began on July 1st when the market supervision administration and the public security bureau of Maiji received a report concerning the abnormal blood lead levels of some children at the kindergarten. A joint investigation team, composed of officials from seven relevant departments, was immediately formed to investigate the matter.
The investigation involved testing a total of 223 samples collected from Peixin Kindergarten and three other preschools associated with the same investor. These samples included raw materials, cooked food, and water. The investigation revealed that two food samples from Peixin Kindergarten, a tricolor red date sponge cake served for breakfast and a corn roll with sausage served for dinner, failed to meet food safety standards. The lead content in these samples significantly exceeded the national food safety limits.
Public health experts have indicated that elevated blood lead levels can lead to various health issues, including abdominal pain, anemia, and hyperactivity. Exposure to higher concentrations of lead can result in more severe complications, such as seizures, coma, and long-term neurological damage.
The joint investigation also uncovered that the kindergarten's principal and investor permitted kitchen staff to purchase and use brightly colored industrial pigments in food preparation after dilution. As a result of the investigation, all 251 children were examined by doctors. Of those examined, 233 were found to have abnormal blood lead levels. By Tuesday, 201 children were admitted to hospitals for treatment.
The National Health Commission dispatched experts to Tianshui to provide guidance on managing the situation.
6 Comments
Bermudez
It's good to know that all the children got examined, that shows care of the parents and the care of the authorities
Africa
I hope the children get the best medical care and support to recover. This will affect them for life.
Coccinella
I can't even imagine the fear and worry the parents are going through. My heart breaks for them.
Bella Ciao
It's positive that the children are receiving medical treatment and support.
Muchacha
The National Health Commission's involvement provides reassurance that this will be handled seriously.
Noir Black
The principal and investor should face the harshest possible penalties. This is criminal negligence.