Hundreds of Children Admitted to Hospitals in China Due to Lead Poisoning from Food Consumption
A shocking incident of lead poisoning has been reported at a kindergarten in northwest China's Gansu province, affecting over 200 children. According to authorities and state media, the source of the contamination was traced back to non-edible, industrial paint that was used in food preparation at the kindergarten.
The kitchen staff, with the operator's consent, had purchased the paint online, despite it being clearly marked as not for consumption. This act, intended to attract more students and increase revenue for the kindergarten, led to severe lead poisoning among the children.
Authorities found significantly elevated lead levels in date cakes and a corn cob with a sausage. The date cake contained 1052 milligrams of lead per kilogram, and the corn cob with a sausage had 1340 milligrams per kilogram - thousands of times above the national safety limit of 0.5 milligrams per kilogram.
As a result, 233 out of the 251 children tested showed abnormal blood lead levels. The children have been hospitalized, and eight individuals, including the kindergarten operator and an investor, have been detained on charges related to producing toxic and harmful food.
Two individuals have been released on bail pending trial. The local government has expressed regret for the incident and has promised to draw lessons from it. They have also called for stricter enforcement of food safety regulations in schools.
Lead poisoning can disrupt the formation of red blood cells, affect the brain, nervous system, blood, and digestive organs. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and concerns about the safety of school meals.
The authorities became aware of the case at the beginning of the month when reports of lead poisoning at the kindergarten surfaced. However, no new information about the detained suspects, the source of the lead, or the food samples has been provided at this time.
[1] The paint was clearly labeled as inedible. [2] Upon inspection, remnants of the hidden substances were found. [3] As of early this week, all 251 children at the kindergarten have been tested. [4] The local government has expressed regret for the lead poisoning incident.
[1] Despite being labeled as inedible, the kitchen staff at the kindergarten purchased the paint online, which was later found to be the source of the severe lead poisoning amongst the children.
[2] Upon inspection, remnants of the hidden industrial paint were found in date cakes and a corn cob with a sausage, which contained lead levels thousands of times above the national safety limit.
