A troubling lead poisoning scandal involving more than 250 kindergartners in Gansu Province has resulted in public anger after officials were found to have tampered with medical tests and overlooked essential safety regulations.
Child Lead Poisoning Scandal Sparks Outrage in China
Child Lead Poisoning Scandal Sparks Outrage in China
Investigation reveals cover-ups by officials in a case affecting over 250 children in Gansu Province.
In a shocking revelation, health officials in China disclosed that a significant number of children, over 250, suffered from lead poisoning linked to contaminated food at an unlicensed kindergarten. The investigation, carried out by a special team from the Gansu provincial Communist Party committee, accused local authorities of complicity in hiding the scandal. It was found that unapproved food coloring containing over 20% lead was used in meals served to children, with lead levels reported to exceed national safety standards by an astounding 2,000 times.
Parents had long suspected a cover-up and resorted to seeking independent tests for their children. Their fears were validated when it was revealed that the Tianshui No. 2 People’s Hospital had manipulated medical records, reporting significantly lower lead levels for some children. Alarmingly, one child exhibited elevated lead levels multiple times over six months without any warning issued by the hospital. Local education officials were also criticized for their negligence, as they had ignored the school's unlicensed status and allowed it to accept gifts from investors.
This scandal has reignited a nationwide discussion about food safety standards and the responsibilities of authorities to protect children from harm.
Parents had long suspected a cover-up and resorted to seeking independent tests for their children. Their fears were validated when it was revealed that the Tianshui No. 2 People’s Hospital had manipulated medical records, reporting significantly lower lead levels for some children. Alarmingly, one child exhibited elevated lead levels multiple times over six months without any warning issued by the hospital. Local education officials were also criticized for their negligence, as they had ignored the school's unlicensed status and allowed it to accept gifts from investors.
This scandal has reignited a nationwide discussion about food safety standards and the responsibilities of authorities to protect children from harm.
