China kindergarten crisis: How lead in food hospitalised 230 children; understand the dangers, causes and prevention
Tests revealed lead levels thousands of times above the national safety limit. The paint had been purchased online at the instruction of the school principal. Eight individuals, including the principal and key staff, have been arrested.
China reports alarming lead levels in contaminated kindergarten food samples
As BBC reported, authorities revealed that food samples collected from Peixin Kindergarten contained lead levels up to 2,680 times the national safety threshold of 0.5 mg/kg:
Red date cake: 1,052 mg/kg
Corn sausage bun: 1,340 mg/kg
The excessive contamination led to 233 children testing positive for high levels of lead in their blood.
Chinese state media broadcast CCTV footage showing kitchen staff adding the pigment directly into the food preparation process.
Chinese kindergarten staff arrested for using toxic paint in food preparation
According to a police statement, the kindergarten principal instructed kitchen staff to purchase the paint online, fully aware it was not meant for consumption. When children began falling ill, the paint and related supplies were intentionally hidden to avoid detection. Authorities later uncovered the materials during their investigation.
As of now, eight individuals, including the school principal and the kindergarten's primary investor, have been arrested and are facing charges related to the production of toxic and harmful food.
Symptoms reported among the children
Parents started noticing symptoms in their children as early as March, although it took several months for the issue to gain official attention. Reported symptoms include:
Persistent stomach pain
Muscle aches (especially in the legs)
Fatigue and irritability
Lack of appetite
One parent, Mr. Liu, took his child to Xi'an for medical treatment after learning about the issue from other concerned families.
His son is now undergoing a 10-day treatment program, raising concerns about long-term organ damage, particularly to the liver and digestive system.
What is lead poisoning
Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health issues—particularly in young children, whose bodies and brains are still developing. Lead exposure can damage the nervous system, impair brain development, and cause behavioral, learning, and physical health problems.
How are people exposed to lead
While the Tianshui case involved food contamination, lead is commonly found in:
Old homes with lead-based paint (used before 1978)
Imported toys, candies, and glazed ceramics
Drinking water from lead pipes
Contaminated soil or dust
Some herbal medicines and traditional remedies
Lead poisoning symptoms
In children:
Cramps
Hyperactivity (restlessness, fidgeting and talking too much)
Learning problems
Changes in behaviour
Headaches
Vomiting
Fatigue
Anemia (not enough hemoglobin in their blood)
In adults:
Headaches
Abdominal pain
Personality changes
Anemia
Numbness in feet and legs
Loss of sex drive
Infertility
Diagnosing and treating lead poisoning
The condition is diagnosed through a blood lead test, which measures the concentration of lead in the bloodstream. As reported by Cleveland Clinic, a level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or higher is considered a concern in children.
Treatment:
Source removal:
Eliminating further exposure is critical.
Chelation therapy:
For moderate to high levels, medications called chelating agents are used to bind lead in the blood and help the body excrete it.
Whole-bowel irrigation:
Ingested paint chips may be flushed out of the digestive system using a special solution.
Nutritional support:
Diets high in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption.
Prevention against lead poisoning
This case exposes significant gaps in food safety enforcement and institutional oversight in certain regions. While regulations exist, this tragedy underscores the need for more rigorous inspections, staff training, and penalties for negligence.
Steps to prevent lead exposure:
At home:
Test old homes for lead-based paint
Use only certified cookware and toys
Wash hands and toys frequently
Let tap water run before use if you suspect old pipes
Never use hot water from the tap for cooking or baby formula
In schools and daycares:
Ensure that all materials used in kitchens and classrooms are certified safe
Train staff to recognize and avoid hazardous substances
Implement regular inspections and audits
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