Investigation Uncovers Cover-Up in Lead Poisoning Scandal Affecting Children in China

The lead poisoning incident at Peixin Kindergarten has prompted a major probe, revealing efforts by local officials to manipulate blood test results and accept bribes. The Chinese government is now implementing stricter food safety regulations to prevent similar incidents.

In a troubling development in north-western China, an investigative report has exposed a cover-up by provincial officials and hospital staff regarding a lead poisoning outbreak that has impacted over 200 children who attended Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui city, Gansu province. The situation has provoked significant public outrage and demands for accountability.

Authorities discovered that in a bid to enhance the culinary appeal of meals served to pre-school children, kitchen staff at Peixin used inedible paint, resulting in food products with lead levels exceeding safety limits by up to 2,000 times. The report, which was released on Sunday, revealed that some city officials participated in tampering with blood tests for the affected students, thereby concealing the severity of the poisoning.

Eight individuals were initially apprehended in connection with the production of contaminated food items. Six of them, including the kindergarten principal, several cooks, and an investor, have been formally arrested. Additionally, ten other officials face formal accountability procedures, while 17 individuals are under investigation for their roles in the scandal.

The alarming situation first emerged in early July when 235 children were hospitalized due to lead poisoning, with many parents expressing outrage over the delays in medical responses and safety inspections at the facility. As of now, 234 children have been discharged from hospitals, but the investigation continues to reveal deeper systemic failures.

Among the findings, the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted that officials did not undertake testing with the requisite seriousness, which resulted in distorted blood test outcomes. Moreover, there were significant accusations of negligence directed towards staff at the Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital regarding their management of the case.

Despite the lapses at local levels, the Chinese central government has taken swift actions, forming an expert panel to review regulatory gaps and swiftly implementing national guidelines to enforce stricter food safety measures in schools. These new measures include mandatory testing of food batches and centralized procurement of essential ingredients.

Additionally, the provincial authorities have ensured that children affected by lead poisoning receive free treatment in designated hospitals and that legal aid is available for affected families. To prevent similar occurrences in the future, Peixin Kindergarten will be placed under temporary oversight of a state-owned educational institution. The Chinese community has reacted with mixed feelings, with some praising the transparency of the investigation while others demand comprehensive accountability for all responsible parties involved in this deeply distressing event.