More than 200 children in northwest China have been hospitalized with lead poisoning after kindergarten staff used industrial paint to decorate their food, according to reports.
The scandal erupted at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, where eight people—including the school’s principal and its main investor—have now been arrested. Tests revealed dangerously high levels of lead in popular snacks like steamed red date cake and sausage corn buns, with some items testing at up to 2,000 times over China’s national safety limit, the BBC reported.
In total, 233 children were found to have elevated lead levels in their blood. Parents began raising concerns earlier this year, saying their kids were suffering from stomach aches, leg pain, and loss of appetite for months—some dating back to March.
Authorities say the school kitchen staff bought the toxic, industrial-grade paint online, even though it was clearly labeled as inedible. Once children began to fall ill, staff allegedly hid the supplies to cover their tracks.
One father told news outlets that his son needed 10 days of medical treatment, and he’s deeply worried about the potential long-term damage to his child’s liver and digestive system.
I don’t think the head chink will put up with that and will have them put down.