An alarming investigation has exposed a widespread cover-up by local officials in north-west China regarding a lead poisoning scandal affecting over 200 children, triggering outrage and calls for accountability.
China Uncovers Major Lead Poisoning Cover-up Affecting Hundreds of Children
China Uncovers Major Lead Poisoning Cover-up Affecting Hundreds of Children
Investigative report reveals coordinated attempts by officials to conceal substandard food practices in a kindergarten.
The investigation unveiled that Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui city had been using toxic paint in food preparation to enhance the visual appeal of meals, resulting in severe health implications.
Authorities revealed that dozens of provincial officials and medical personnel manipulated blood test results of students, as well as ignored significant safety violations, attempting to hush the incident which involved lead levels exceeding safety limits by 2,000 times.
The disgraceful actions of the kindergarten's chefs, who aimed to increase enrolments, led to 235 children being admitted for treatment after consuming contaminated food items like steamed red date cakes. As investigations progressed, the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control discovered alarming negligence in handling blood tests, further complicating matters.
Eight individuals, including the kindergarten's principal and key staff members, have been detained, while further investigations target over 27 other officials from various departments.
Public reaction has been significantly divided, with many praising the measure of transparency in disclosing the events while demanding greater accountability from those responsible for the misconduct.
In response to the crisis, the central government has instituted national guidelines that enforce stricter food safety regulations within schools and offer assistance to the affected families for treatment related to lead exposure. Peixin Kindergarten will now be supervised by a state-run institution as authorities strive to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities revealed that dozens of provincial officials and medical personnel manipulated blood test results of students, as well as ignored significant safety violations, attempting to hush the incident which involved lead levels exceeding safety limits by 2,000 times.
The disgraceful actions of the kindergarten's chefs, who aimed to increase enrolments, led to 235 children being admitted for treatment after consuming contaminated food items like steamed red date cakes. As investigations progressed, the Gansu Provincial Centre for Disease Control discovered alarming negligence in handling blood tests, further complicating matters.
Eight individuals, including the kindergarten's principal and key staff members, have been detained, while further investigations target over 27 other officials from various departments.
Public reaction has been significantly divided, with many praising the measure of transparency in disclosing the events while demanding greater accountability from those responsible for the misconduct.
In response to the crisis, the central government has instituted national guidelines that enforce stricter food safety regulations within schools and offer assistance to the affected families for treatment related to lead exposure. Peixin Kindergarten will now be supervised by a state-run institution as authorities strive to prevent similar incidents in the future.
