Cover-up Unveiled: Lead Poisoning Scandal in China's Kindergarten

An official investigation has revealed a significant cover-up surrounding a lead poisoning incident affecting over 200 children in north-west China. The scandal, rooted in unethical food practices at Peixin Kindergarten, led to the arrest of several individuals and a call for accountability.

In a troubling revelation, an investigation into a lead poisoning incident at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu province, has uncovered extensive efforts to conceal the scale of the crisis. Authorities reported that dozens of local officials, along with staff at the affected hospital, manipulated blood test results to downplay the severity of the situation. The kindergarten reportedly used non-edible paint to enhance the appearance of meals, leading to food samples containing lead levels an alarming 2,000 times higher than safety standards permit.

Initially, eight individuals were detained for their roles in this disturbing case, with six arrests made, including the kindergarten's principal and several cooks. The investigation highlighted corruption among city officials who accepted bribes from a kindergarten investor while neglecting essential food safety inspections in numerous pre-schools.

The incident came to light on July 8, when healthcare providers announced that 235 children were hospitalized for lead poisoning after consuming tainted food items like steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. Fortunately, 234 children have since been discharged, but the severity of the situation prompted widespread public outrage across China.

The Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention issued a mandate to conduct blood tests on students and staff following the emergence of symptoms. However, the investigation found that procedural violations had severely compromised the integrity of the results. Furthermore, the report criticized staff at the Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital for their disorganized handling of the case.

Public reactions to the investigation have varied, with some praising the level of transparency provided, while others demand accountability for the involved parties. In contrast to the local officials' mismanagement, the central government provided a swift response, forming an expert panel to identify procedural flaws.

As part of addressing the fallout from this case, new national guidelines for campus meal provision have been instituted, which include mandatory food testing for each batch and centralized procurement of essential ingredients. Tianshui authorities have also promised free medical treatment for affected children and legal support for the families impacted by this scandal. For the time being, Peixin Kindergarten will be temporarily managed by a state-run institution.