Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels among children at the Keshan Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, revealed serious food safety violations, including the use of toxic non-food-grade pigments in food preparation, leading to significant health risks for children and staff [1][2][5]. Group 1: Case Investigation - The kindergarten's chef purchased non-food-grade pigments online, which contained extremely high lead levels, and used them in food served to children, resulting in lead concentrations in food samples far exceeding safety limits [2][12]. - The principal of the kindergarten, in collaboration with investors, directed the use of these pigments to enhance food appearance, despite knowing the risks involved [3][5]. - Six individuals involved in the food preparation process have been arrested for producing toxic and harmful food [4][5]. Group 2: Environmental Pollution Investigation - Investigations into the surrounding environment of the kindergarten showed no lead contamination in air, water, or soil, indicating that the source of lead exposure was not environmental but rather from the food served [6][7][8]. - Samples collected from nearby facilities also confirmed that they did not contribute to lead pollution, as they complied with environmental quality standards [9][10]. Group 3: Blood Lead Testing and Data Integrity - A total of 267 blood samples from children and staff were tested, revealing multiple cases of abnormal lead levels, with some results later found to have been altered, indicating serious lapses in medical oversight [14][15]. - The Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention's blood lead testing was compromised due to improper sample handling, leading to inaccurate results [15][16]. Group 4: Accountability and Consequences - Investigations have led to the accountability of 17 individuals, including officials from the Tianshui City Education Bureau and the Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control, for negligence and corruption related to the incident [18][19][20]. - The provincial government has committed to a thorough investigation and strict measures to prevent future occurrences, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards violations in food safety and public health [25]. Group 5: Medical Treatment and Follow-Up - All affected children and staff have undergone blood lead testing, with a significant number showing elevated lead levels, prompting immediate medical intervention [22][23]. - Treatment protocols have been established, and a substantial number of patients have already been discharged after successful treatment, with ongoing monitoring and support for their recovery [24].

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels among children at the Gansu Province's Maiji District Banshi Peixin Kindergarten revealed serious food safety violations, including the use of toxic non-food-grade pigments in food preparation, leading to significant health risks for the children involved [1][2][3]. Group 1: Case Investigation - The kindergarten's chef purchased non-food-grade pigments online, with lead content in the pigments significantly exceeding safety standards, leading to food items served to children containing lead levels as high as 1340 mg/kg [2][3]. - The kindergarten's principal directed the use of these pigments to enhance food appearance, despite knowing the risks, resulting in multiple children exhibiting abnormal blood lead levels [3][5]. - Six individuals, including the principal and chefs, have been arrested for their involvement in producing toxic food [4][5]. Group 2: Environmental Pollution Investigation - Environmental tests around the kindergarten showed no lead contamination in air, water, or soil, indicating that the source of lead exposure was not from the surrounding environment [6][7][8]. - Historical analysis of the area confirmed that prior land use did not involve lead-related activities, further supporting the conclusion that the kindergarten's practices were the primary cause of lead exposure [7][9]. Group 3: Blood Lead Testing and Data Integrity - A total of 267 blood samples from children and staff were tested, revealing multiple instances of abnormal lead levels, with some results later modified, raising concerns about the integrity of the testing process [14][16]. - The Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control's testing procedures were found to be flawed, leading to inaccurate results due to improper sample handling [16]. Group 4: Accountability and Consequences - Investigations have led to 17 individuals being subjected to disciplinary actions, including officials from the local education and health departments for negligence and corruption related to the kindergarten's operations [19][20]. - The provincial government has committed to a thorough investigation and accountability measures against all involved parties, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards such violations [24]. Group 5: Medical Response and Treatment - All children and staff at the kindergarten underwent blood lead testing, with a significant number showing elevated levels, prompting immediate medical intervention [21][22]. - A coordinated medical response has been established, with treatment protocols in place for affected individuals, and ongoing monitoring to ensure recovery and health management [23].

Group 1 - The investigation revealed significant discrepancies in blood lead level testing data at Tian Shui Second People's Hospital, with multiple children showing abnormal results, some of which were later altered without proper justification [1] - A total of 7 children from the Heishi Peixin Kindergarten were tested, with lead levels ranging from 153.39μg/L to 440.14μg/L, indicating a serious public health concern [1] - The investigation criticized the hospital's management and quality control practices, highlighting a lack of systematic training for laboratory personnel and violations of multiple medical regulations [1] Group 2 - The Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted blood lead testing for 267 samples from Heishi Peixin Kindergarten, but the testing process was flawed due to improper sample handling, leading to inaccurate results [3] - The investigation found that the testing personnel failed to follow proper protocols, such as allowing samples to sit too long before testing, which caused separation of blood components [3] - There were significant deficiencies in the quality control measures and operational standards at the Gansu Provincial CDC, indicating a lack of attention to critical public health tasks [3]