Investigation exposes efforts to cover negligence at Peixin Kindergarten as hundreds of children suffer from lead poisoning
China Unveils Lead Poisoning Cover-Up In Kindergarten Scandal
China Unveils Lead Poisoning Cover-Up In Kindergarten Scandal
Authorities reveal shocking case of institutional negligence affecting children in Gansu province
In a scandal that has sparked outrage across China, an official investigation has uncovered a significant cover-up involving lead poisoning cases affecting over 200 children attending Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui city, Gansu province. The inquiry reveals that numerous provincial officials and hospital staff engaged in efforts to conceal the severity of the crisis, including tampering with blood test results of the affected students.
The dreadful situation escalated when it was found that Peixin Kindergarten had utilized inedible paint to enhance the appearance of meals served to students, resulting in food samples containing lead levels surpassing national safety standards by 2,000 times. Authorities detained eight individuals related to the production and distribution of the toxic food, leading to the arrest of six, including the kindergarten's principal and several cooks.
Initially reported on July 8, 235 children were hospitalized after consuming contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns, with only one child remaining in the hospital as of the latest updates. Officials from the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention have faced accusations of negligence, as the testing procedures they implemented were grossly mishandled, impacting diagnosis accuracy.
This case has drawn substantial attention on Chinese social media, with a sizable portion of the public praising the transparency of the investigation, while others demand accountability from those responsible. Following the scandal, the central government has taken swift action, assembling an expert panel to assess procedural deficiencies. New national guidelines have also been introduced, mandating rigorous food safety checks at educational institutions.
As part of the response, children affected by lead poisoning are assured free medical treatment, alongside legal assistance for their families. Furthermore, the management of Peixin Kindergarten will be transitioned to a state-owned entity to restore trust in educational food safety.
The dreadful situation escalated when it was found that Peixin Kindergarten had utilized inedible paint to enhance the appearance of meals served to students, resulting in food samples containing lead levels surpassing national safety standards by 2,000 times. Authorities detained eight individuals related to the production and distribution of the toxic food, leading to the arrest of six, including the kindergarten's principal and several cooks.
Initially reported on July 8, 235 children were hospitalized after consuming contaminated steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns, with only one child remaining in the hospital as of the latest updates. Officials from the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention have faced accusations of negligence, as the testing procedures they implemented were grossly mishandled, impacting diagnosis accuracy.
This case has drawn substantial attention on Chinese social media, with a sizable portion of the public praising the transparency of the investigation, while others demand accountability from those responsible. Following the scandal, the central government has taken swift action, assembling an expert panel to assess procedural deficiencies. New national guidelines have also been introduced, mandating rigorous food safety checks at educational institutions.
As part of the response, children affected by lead poisoning are assured free medical treatment, alongside legal assistance for their families. Furthermore, the management of Peixin Kindergarten will be transitioned to a state-owned entity to restore trust in educational food safety.
