China Intensifies Kindergarten Food Safety Inspections After Poisoning Incident

Following a concerning incident in Gansu province, local governments throughout China have initiated food safety inspections at kindergartens. The inspections are a direct response to the discovery of elevated blood lead levels in over 200 children at a kindergarten in Tianshui. The children's exposure was linked to meals containing diluted industrial pigments.

The Tianshui incident, involving Peixin Kindergarten, caused widespread shock. Investigations revealed that teachers, students, and even the principal, who allegedly instructed canteen staff to add the pigments, had elevated lead levels. Authorities are investigating the alleged cover-up of the case, with arrests and investigations targeting multiple individuals, including senior officials.

In response, various regions have implemented immediate measures. In Yangjiang, Guangdong province, authorities held a special meeting and launched inspections across all kindergartens in the Jiangcheng district. These inspections focus on food sources, processing methods, and drinking water safety, with warnings of severe penalties for violations. Similar actions were taken in Xiangshan district of Huaibei, Anhui province, and Huangshigang district of Huangshi, Hubei province, where joint inspections with education authorities were conducted.

Experts attribute these inspections to the Gansu incident. They highlight that despite repeated government emphasis on food safety in schools, such incidents persist, indicating enforcement gaps. One expert emphasized that while inspections address immediate problems, increased investment in preschool education is crucial. Another expert pointed to the principal's actions as a complete disregard for food safety knowledge and highlighted the failure of local authorities to enforce existing regulations.