Police have detained eight people accused of lead poisoning after more than 200 children in a kindergarten in the northwestern province of Gansu were found to have elevated lead levels in their blood, sparking widespread public outrage and concern.
The principal of the kindergarten in Maiji district in Tianshui, surnamed Zhu, was detained together with a local investor named Li and six canteen staff on suspicion of “producing toxic and harmful food”.
Two others have been placed on police bail pending trial, according to investigators in Tianshui.
The statement alleged the canteen staff bought decorative paint online with the consent of Zhu and Li, diluted it and used it in food. Laboratory tests confirmed the paint contained lead and was clearly marked not for consumption on the package.
Of all 251 children at Peixin Kindergarten, 233 were found to have abnormal blood lead levels, while 18 returned tests within the normal range, the announcement said.
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Parents have questioned the credibility of test results released by local authorities and the kindergarten.
