Children arrested in China due to lead poisoning incidents, as high levels were discovered in kindergarten children.
In a shocking turn of events, a lead poisoning incident at Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, Tianshui City, Gansu Province, has raised concerns about food safety and triggered a swift response from local authorities.
On July 1, 2025, an investigation was launched by market supervision and public security authorities after abnormal blood lead levels were detected among the kindergarten’s 251 children[1][4]. A total of 233 children were found to have elevated blood lead levels, while only 18 were within the normal range[1][4].
The source of the contamination was traced back to food samples from the kindergarten’s kitchen. Among 223 tested samples, two—from breakfast (three-color red date sponge cake) and dinner (corn sausage rolls)—contained alarmingly high levels of lead, with readings of 1,052 mg/kg and 1,340 mg/kg respectively[1][3]. These figures far surpass China’s national food safety standard of 0.5 mg/kg for food contaminants[1][3]. Further testing revealed that the contamination stemmed from industrial, non-edible paint that was purchased online and used for food decoration after dilution[3][4]. The paint packaging was clearly marked as not for consumption[4].
The joint investigation led to the criminal detention of eight individuals, including the kindergarten’s principal (surnamed Zhu) and the school investor (Li), as well as canteen staff. Two additional people were released on police bail pending trial[1][4]. The investigation found that the principal and investor had agreed to allow kitchen staff to purchase and use these colored pigments in food preparation[1][4]. When children began falling ill, the paint and related supplies were reportedly hidden to avoid detection, but were later uncovered by authorities[3].
The incident has caused widespread public outrage and calls for stricter food safety regulations and preventive measures[2]. Medical experts from Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, along with national specialists, have developed and implemented a specialized treatment plan for the affected children, including ongoing chelation therapy for lead poisoning[2].
Parents have questioned the credibility of the kindergarten’s and local authorities’ initial responses, and there is ongoing oversight to ensure proper treatment for the children involved[4]. The authorities have emphasized enhanced regulation and market supervision following the incident[1][2].
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety, particularly in environments where children are concerned. The authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all those affected, and the public is urged to remain vigilant and demand accountability for such incidents.
The shocking lead poisoning incident at Peixin Kindergarten has sparked discussions beyond food safety, with concerns raised about general news, crime-and-justice, and mental-health. In particular, the incident highlights the need for environmental-science and health-and-wellness measures to prevent such tragedies. As medical experts develop treatment plans for the affected children, it's crucial to address the role of politics in ensuring accountability and enforcing stricter regulations across various sectors, including market supervision and food safety standards. This incident underscores the pressing need for public scrutiny and vigilance to safeguard the welfare of our children and the community at large. Climate-change and other global concerns, though seemingly unrelated, also demand our attention as they intertwine with the health and well-being of our society. The interconnected nature of these issues necessitates a comprehensive approach in our pursuit for a safer and healthier world.
