Gansu province rocked by lead food poisoning scandal after decorative food dyes cause mass hospitalization
Over 230 young children have been hospitalized in northwest China’s Gansu province after chefs at a private kindergarten used industrial paint pigments to decorate school meals, food resulting in severe lead poisoning.
Authorities in Tianshui City have arrested eight individuals, including the school principal and major investor of Peixin Kindergarten, after food samples tested 2,000 times over the national safety limit for lead content. The affected meals reportedly included steamed red date cakes and corn sausage buns prepared with the dangerous substances.
Lead levels 2,000x above legal limit
Chinese state media reported that samples of the meals showed alarming lead concentrations — with the red date cake testing at 1052mg/kg and corn sausage rolls at 1340mg/kg. These figures far exceed the national limit of just 0.5mg/kg.
According to a police statement, the school principal had instructed staff to buy the inedible pigment online, despite warning labels clearly indicating it was not safe for consumption. Kitchen CCTV footage aired on state television showed workers mixing paint into food preparations.
“We’re deeply worried about the long-term impact on our children’s health,” said Mr Liu, a parent whose son is now undergoing 10 days of hospital treatment in nearby Xi’an.
Hidden supplies, delayed action
Local authorities launched a formal investigation after several parents reported symptoms such as stomach pain, leg cramps, and appetite loss dating back to March.
The paint supplies were hidden by kitchen staff after students fell ill, making the investigation more complex. Officials say the use of decorative paint in school meals likely went unnoticed for months.
Officials admit to food safety failures
Mayor Liu Lijiang of Tianshui acknowledged the crisis has exposed serious flaws in public food safety enforcement.
“This incident revealed significant loopholes in food safety oversight. We must learn from this tragedy and implement stricter supervision,” he stated.
The eight suspects, including school administrators and financiers, now face charges related to the production and distribution of toxic food.
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