Lead Poisoning Incident at Gansu Kindergarten Traced to Illegally Added Food Contaminants

A kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu Province, has come under intense public scrutiny following a food safety incident that resulted in abnormal blood lead levels among numerous children.

As of July 7, 2025, all 251 children enrolled at the kindergarten had undergone blood lead testing. Of these, 233 children were diagnosed with abnormal lead levels, while only 18 were within the normal range. Earlier reports revealed that some children's blood lead levels were more than five times higher than the normal reference level.

Following the outbreak, a joint investigative team conduct a thorough investigation of the kindergarten and its affiliated facilities. A total of 223 samples were collected from retained food, raw materials, tableware, drinking water, children's supplies, teaching tools, and outdoor soil. Test results revealed that two flour-based food samples contained lead levels of 1,052 mg/kg and 1,340 mg/kg, respectively—far exceeding the specified limit of 0.5 mg/kg under National Food Safety Standard Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods.

According to police findings, the kindergarten had purchased non-edible paint pigments online, which were then diluted and illegally added to some food items. The individuals involved have been criminally detained on charges of producing toxic and harmful foods.

Medical experts warn that chronic lead poisoning can cause severe and often irreversible damage to a child's nervous system, cognitive development, digestive functions. Local authorities have assembled medical teams to provide treatment and closely monitor the affected children's health.

The incident has triggered a strong public outrage and renewed calls for stricter oversight and enforcement of food safety regulations in schools and childcare facilities nationwide.

 Disclaimer: All images used in the article are from the Internet.