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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
LANZHOU, July 20 (Xinhua) — Six people, including an investor, director and cooks of a kindergarten, were arrested in northwest China's Gansu Province after deliberately adding toxic lead dyes to baby food, poisoning 247 preschoolers, the government's investigation revealed Sunday.
An investigation by Gansu provincial authorities involving state environmental and health experts concluded that cooks at Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, Tianshui City added dyes labeled “inedible” to flour to make corn buns with sausage and date cakes. The baked goods were served to children and staff several times a month since May 2024.
The director of the kindergarten, with the approval of the investor, advised the cooks to make the food more colorful and attractive. Laboratory analysis of food samples from the kindergarten revealed excess lead concentrations, which amounted to 1,340 mg/kg in corn buns and 1,052 mg/kg in date cakes, which is significantly higher than the permissible levels.
Based on the testing results, 247 of the 251 children had abnormal blood lead levels, including 14 cases that were found on retesting. In addition, 28 staff members had elevated blood lead levels.
As of Sunday afternoon, all 247 children had been treated in hospital or with clinical nutrition at home. A total of 234 children had completed the first course of treatment and were discharged from hospitals, with one child still hospitalized. Five children who left the daycare last year were also found to have abnormal blood lead levels and are currently being treated at home with clinical nutrition.
According to the experts' conclusion, after providing medical assistance, the level of lead in the patients' blood decreased by 40.21 percent, which corresponds to the therapeutic goal.
Law enforcement arrested six suspects, two of whom were remanded in custody and three of whom were released on bail pending investigation. The investigation into the case is ongoing. The provincial disciplinary authorities are investigating 10 local officials, including the head of the provincial health committee and Tianshui city leaders.
The Gansu provincial government has promised to provide all-round support for medical care for children, including providing free treatment and financial assistance to families who choose to receive treatment in other regions. –0–
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