Over 200 Children Treated for Lead Poisoning After Toxic Paint Used on Food in China

Over 200 Children Treated for Lead Poisoning After Toxic Paint Used on Food in China
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More than 200 children in north-west China are receiving treatment for lead poisoning after kitchen staff at a kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu province, used inedible paint to decorate food, according to the BBC. Tests revealed that steamed red date cake and sausage corn buns served at Peixin Kindergarten contained lead levels up to 2,000 times above the national safety limit. A total of 233 children showed elevated blood lead levels following consumption.

Police arrested eight individuals, including the school principal and main investor, who face investigation for producing harmful food. Authorities found the paint, clearly labeled as inedible, had been purchased online and hidden after the children fell ill.

Parents reported symptoms such as stomach pain and loss of appetite since March. The mayor acknowledged gaps in food safety oversight and pledged to address these issues. The incident has raised concerns about long-term health effects for affected children.