A shocking incident has unfolded in Tianshui, China, where over 200 young students were found to have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood after consuming food laced with the toxic substance.
The disturbing discovery has led to multiple arrests and a full investigation into the practices at Peixin Kindergarten, where the contaminated food was served.
Investigation and Discovery of Lead in School Food
The alarming situation came to light on July 1, when local authorities in Tianshui launched an investigation after receiving reports of unusually high blood lead levels in several children at Peixin Kindergarten.
Authorities soon traced the source of the contamination to food served at the school, specifically a “three-color red date steamed cake” and a “corn roll sausage” provided during breakfast and dinner.
Test results confirmed that the lead content in these foods was alarmingly high, with the steamed cake containing 1,052 mg/kg of lead and the sausage roll containing 1,340 mg/kg. Both levels far exceeded China’s national food safety standard of 0.5 mg/kg for food contaminants.
The Extent of the Harm
Out of the 251 children enrolled at Peixin Kindergarten, 233 were found to have abnormal blood lead levels. The situation raised concerns about the health and safety of the children, but nearby schools such as Weibei Kindergarten, Ci’ai Kindergarten, and Mengdi’ai Kindergarten were tested, and their students showed normal blood lead levels.
This led investigators to focus on the school’s food preparation practices, which revealed the involvement of the school’s principal, Zhu Moulin, and Li Moufang, a financial backer of the school.
How the Paint Got into the Food
According to the government report, it was discovered that Zhu Moulin and Li Moufang had allegedly instructed the school’s kitchen staff to purchase paint online and use it in the preparation of food after diluting it.
The paint used, which was clearly marked as non-edible on its packaging, contained lead. A disturbing video obtained by the U.K.’s Sky News showed kitchen staff pouring the paint into a bowl and mixing it into the food.
The authorities were quick to arrest the two main suspects, Zhu Moulin and Li Moufang, along with eight other individuals involved in the food preparation. Two additional people were placed on bail while awaiting trial.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigation
The Peixin Kindergarten had obtained certification to operate in 2022, and students began enrolling in August 2024. Despite the certification, the school’s involvement in this harmful incident has prompted public outrage and concern over the safety of food in educational institutions.
A government report stated that the incident caused “physical and mental harm” to the affected children and their families. The investigation into this disturbing case is still ongoing as authorities work to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further incidents of food contamination.
This tragedy highlights the severe consequences of neglecting food safety in schools, particularly when harmful substances like lead are involved. The arrests and ongoing investigation aim to hold those responsible accountable for poisoning innocent children.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the shocking realization that a trusted institution allowed such a dangerous practice to occur.
