In Tianshui city, Gansu authorities released the findings of the investigation on Sunday, revealing that dozens of officials, including hospital staff, actively concealed the severity of the lead poisoning case that arose at the privately-owned kindergarten. According to the report, city officials accepted bribes from a Peixin investor, neglecting food safety inspections in various pre-schools.
To attract enrollment, Peixin Kindergarten’s staff resorted to using inedible paint to enhance the visual appeal of meals. Subsequent testing indicated that food samples contained lead concentrations more than 2,000 times above the safety limits set by national regulations. Initially, eight individuals were detained, with six—including the kindergarten's principal and several cooks—now under arrest, while additional officials face disciplinary measures.
In the early stages of the incident, on July 8, authorities disclosed that 235 children were treated for lead poisoning due to contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. Fortunately, by Sunday, 234 had been discharged from hospitals. Despite characterizing the central government's response as prompt, the report criticized local officials for their failure to diligently conduct health tests, which led to distorted results.
The investigation identified breaches of protocol at Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital, attributing "serious dereliction of duty" to its staff and describing the management of the case as disorderly. The findings have ignited intense public discourse online, with some applauding the transparency of the investigation, while others demand accountability for those involved.
In response to the fallout, new national guidelines for meal provision in schools were implemented, mandating stringent testing of all food batches. Tianshui authorities pledged free treatment for children affected by lead poisoning and promised legal aid for their families. Subsequently, Peixin Kindergarten will be temporarily overseen by a state-operated institution to ensure proper management and care.
To attract enrollment, Peixin Kindergarten’s staff resorted to using inedible paint to enhance the visual appeal of meals. Subsequent testing indicated that food samples contained lead concentrations more than 2,000 times above the safety limits set by national regulations. Initially, eight individuals were detained, with six—including the kindergarten's principal and several cooks—now under arrest, while additional officials face disciplinary measures.
In the early stages of the incident, on July 8, authorities disclosed that 235 children were treated for lead poisoning due to contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. Fortunately, by Sunday, 234 had been discharged from hospitals. Despite characterizing the central government's response as prompt, the report criticized local officials for their failure to diligently conduct health tests, which led to distorted results.
The investigation identified breaches of protocol at Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital, attributing "serious dereliction of duty" to its staff and describing the management of the case as disorderly. The findings have ignited intense public discourse online, with some applauding the transparency of the investigation, while others demand accountability for those involved.
In response to the fallout, new national guidelines for meal provision in schools were implemented, mandating stringent testing of all food batches. Tianshui authorities pledged free treatment for children affected by lead poisoning and promised legal aid for their families. Subsequently, Peixin Kindergarten will be temporarily overseen by a state-operated institution to ensure proper management and care.
