#Socialites, this story is beyond disturbing. More than 200 children in China were hospitalized with lead poisoning after staff at a kindergarten school were caught adding inedible paint to decorate the students’ food. Yes, paint.
According to the BBC, the shocking incident happened at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, located in the Gansu province. Eight people have already been arrested—including the school’s principal and an investor—after officials discovered that lead levels in the food were over 2,000 times the national safety limit.
What Were They Thinking? Surveillance Footage Shows Paint Being Added to Food
Authorities say the school’s principal ordered the kitchen staff to purchase decorative paint online. Surveillance footage reportedly shows kitchen workers mixing the toxic paint into foods like sausage corn buns and steamed red date cakes—all foods intended for kindergartners.
A total of 233 children tested positive for lead poisoning. Parents said their kids had been complaining about stomach and leg pain, loss of appetite, and feeling sick since March. One father revealed that his son now requires ten days of medication and treatment to address the damage caused by the toxins.
Principal, School Staff, and Investor All Under Criminal Investigation
The lead poisoning scandal has sent shockwaves across the country. Chinese authorities say the principal, along with seven other individuals, are under criminal investigation for allegedly producing and distributing toxic and harmful food. That includes an investor in the privately-owned school, and kitchen employees who were directly involved in the preparation.
According to medical experts, lead poisoning—especially at such dangerously high levels—can cause long-term brain damage, developmental delays, and serious health complications for young children.