A recent investigation has unveiled serious misconduct among officials concerning a lead poisoning incident that has affected over 200 children in China, raising public outrage and prompting a swift governmental response.
China Discovers Cover-up in Lead Poisoning Scandal Affecting Hundreds of Children
China Discovers Cover-up in Lead Poisoning Scandal Affecting Hundreds of Children
Investigation reveals officials' attempts to obscure a major health scandal involving inedible foods at a Gansu kindergarten.
In a shocking revelation, dozens of officials and medical staff in north-west China were found to have covered up a lead poisoning incident that sickened hundreds of young students at Peixin Kindergarten, located in Tianshui, Gansu province. An official report, released this past Sunday, detailed how city officials manipulated blood test results to conceal the extent of the issue. It was discovered that inedible paint was used to "enhance" school meals, resulting in lead levels 2,000 times above the national safety limit.
Initially, eight individuals connected to the kindergarten were detained for their roles in producing the contaminated food. Among them, six—including the principal and several cooks—have since been arrested. Furthermore, formal investigations are underway against ten additional officials, alongside disciplinary actions being pursued for 17 others involved.
The disturbing incident first came to light when authorities reported that 235 children were receiving treatment for lead poisoning, primarily linked to consumption of steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. Thankfully, as of the latest update, 234 of these children have been discharged from medical care.
The Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had been tasked with testing 267 individuals from Peixin Kindergarten after some students exhibited symptoms. However, the report criticized the management of these tests, stating they were poorly executed and the results distorted. Additionally, the staff at Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital faced accusations of "serious dereliction of duty" for their chaotic handling of the situation.
Public response across Chinese social media has been varied, with users expressing both relief at the transparency of the report and frustration that those responsible have yet to face consequences. In a contrasting tone, the report commended the central government for its prompt action following the incident, highlighting the establishment of an expert panel to review flaws in the existing procedures.
In light of the scandal, new national guidelines for food safety in schools have been introduced. These mandates require regular testing of food supplies and centralized procurement for key ingredients. The affected children will also receive free medical treatment and legal aid through designated hospitals, while Peixin Kindergarten will operate under state control temporarily.
Initially, eight individuals connected to the kindergarten were detained for their roles in producing the contaminated food. Among them, six—including the principal and several cooks—have since been arrested. Furthermore, formal investigations are underway against ten additional officials, alongside disciplinary actions being pursued for 17 others involved.
The disturbing incident first came to light when authorities reported that 235 children were receiving treatment for lead poisoning, primarily linked to consumption of steamed red date cakes and sausage corn buns. Thankfully, as of the latest update, 234 of these children have been discharged from medical care.
The Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had been tasked with testing 267 individuals from Peixin Kindergarten after some students exhibited symptoms. However, the report criticized the management of these tests, stating they were poorly executed and the results distorted. Additionally, the staff at Tianshui No. 2 People's Hospital faced accusations of "serious dereliction of duty" for their chaotic handling of the situation.
Public response across Chinese social media has been varied, with users expressing both relief at the transparency of the report and frustration that those responsible have yet to face consequences. In a contrasting tone, the report commended the central government for its prompt action following the incident, highlighting the establishment of an expert panel to review flaws in the existing procedures.
In light of the scandal, new national guidelines for food safety in schools have been introduced. These mandates require regular testing of food supplies and centralized procurement for key ingredients. The affected children will also receive free medical treatment and legal aid through designated hospitals, while Peixin Kindergarten will operate under state control temporarily.
