In a deeply disturbing incident in China, more than 200 kindergarten children have reportedly suffered lead poisoning after staff used inedible paint to decorate food. The shocking case took place at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, located in Gansu Province.
Authorities say the school principal, along with an investor, allegedly approved the use of unsafe decorative materials to make the food look more appealing — all in a bid to boost enrolments and profits. Investigations revealed that the paint used was clearly labelled “not safe for consumption”.
Parents Noticed Symptoms Like Hair Loss & Darkened Teeth
The poisoning only came to light when worried parents began noticing unusual symptoms in their children, including hair loss, blackened teeth, fatigue, nausea, and even foul breath. Some parents who sent their children for blood tests were horrified to learn that the lead levels were abnormally high.
As panic spread, authorities launched an official investigation on 3 July. Tests revealed that 233 out of 251 enrolled children had toxic levels of lead in their systems. Several teachers were also found to have been exposed.
Out of more than 200 food samples collected from the school, two items — red date cake and corn sausage rolls — were found to contain lead levels over 2,000 times the national safety limit, according to reports by BBC and ET Today.
Principal Allegedly Ordered Paint Online to “Attract Students”
According to statements from officials, the school principal and one investor were responsible for ordering the paint online and instructing canteen staff to use it. The motive behind the decision was allegedly to create Instagram-worthy food that would impress parents and increase new admissions.
Police have since arrested the principal, the investor, and six canteen staff members. The paint used was discovered hidden away on school premises, with labels clearly stating that it was not edible.
This scandal has ignited public outrage in China, with parents calling for harsher penalties and stricter food safety regulations in educational institutions.
Public Demands Accountability Over Reckless Decision
Many netizens have expressed disbelief over the incident, questioning how such a dangerous and irresponsible decision could have been approved by school leadership. Calls have also been made for the government to implement more rigorous inspections in private schools.
Lead poisoning is a serious health issue, especially in young children, with long-term effects including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and organ damage.
This case has once again raised concerns about regulatory oversight in the education and food sectors, particularly in private-run facilities. As investigations continue, affected families are demanding justice for what could have been a preventable tragedy.