Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels among children at the Gansu Province's Maiji District's Heishi 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 and staff [1][4][20]. Group 1: Case Investigation - The kindergarten's chef purchased non-food-grade pigments online, which were then mixed into food served to children, resulting in lead levels in the food that were severely above safety standards, with corn rolls and red date cakes containing 1340 mg/kg and 1052 mg/kg of lead respectively [2][11]. - The kindergarten's management aimed to enhance the visual appeal of food to attract more students, leading to the decision to use these harmful additives despite the availability of safer alternatives [3][10]. 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 but from the food served at the kindergarten [6][7][8]. - Investigations into nearby industrial sites confirmed that they did not contribute to lead pollution affecting the kindergarten, as they were located over 1.8 kilometers away and had ceased operations that could produce lead contamination [8][9]. Group 3: Blood Lead Testing and Medical Response - A total of 251 children and 34 staff members were tested for blood lead levels, with 247 children and 28 staff members showing abnormal results, prompting immediate medical intervention [20][21]. - The treatment for affected individuals has shown promising results, with an average reduction of 40.21% in blood lead levels after the first treatment cycle [21]. Group 4: Accountability and Regulatory Response - Investigations have led to the arrest and accountability of multiple individuals involved in the kindergarten's management and regulatory oversight, highlighting systemic failures in food safety monitoring and public health response [16][19]. - The Gansu provincial government has committed to a thorough review and overhaul of food safety regulations in educational institutions to prevent future incidents [22].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investigation and response to the abnormal blood lead levels found in children at the Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, highlighting the involvement of various government departments and the urgent medical response to ensure the health of affected children [1][7][12]. Group 1: Investigation and Findings - A provincial investigation team was established to address the blood lead issue at Peixin Kindergarten, involving multiple government departments and experts from national agencies [1][7]. - As of July 7, all 251 children at the kindergarten were tested, revealing 233 cases of abnormal blood lead levels, while 18 were normal [4][12]. - Two food samples from the kindergarten were found to be non-compliant with safety standards, containing lead levels of 1052 mg/kg and 1340 mg/kg, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.5 mg/kg [4][9]. Group 2: Legal Actions - The kindergarten's principal and investor, along with eight other individuals, were criminally detained for allegedly producing toxic and harmful food [5][11]. - Investigations revealed that the principal and investor had allowed the use of non-food-grade paint in food preparation, leading to the contamination [11][12]. Group 3: Medical Response - A medical expert team was formed to provide treatment for affected children, with a focus on ensuring their recovery [13][15]. - A comprehensive treatment plan was developed, including measures such as removing exposure sources, health education, and nutritional interventions [14][15]. - As of now, 201 affected children have been hospitalized for treatment, with ongoing efforts to provide medical support [15][16]. Group 4: Future Actions and Accountability - The government plans to conduct free medical treatment for all affected children and establish health management records for ongoing monitoring [16]. - Investigations into regulatory failures are underway, with accountability measures being initiated against responsible personnel [17].

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving a kindergarten using lead-contaminated additives in food has raised significant concerns about food safety, particularly regarding the alarming levels of lead detected in children's blood [1][4][17]. Group 1: Blood Lead Levels and Health Risks - A staggering 233 out of 251 children tested showed abnormal blood lead levels, with only 18 children having normal levels [4]. - The blood lead levels of two staff members reached 395 and 500 µg/L, far exceeding the adult reference limit of 200 µg/L in China [4][12]. - Among 74 children tested elsewhere, 70 showed elevated blood lead levels, with 22 children between 200-300 µg/L, 30 between 300-400 µg/L, 15 between 400-500 µg/L, and 3 above 500 µg/L [4][12]. Group 2: Testing Methodology and Anomalies - Discrepancies in blood lead levels were noted, with some children testing normal in the kindergarten's locality while others tested high elsewhere [6][7]. - Blood lead testing can vary based on sampling methods, and the presence of lead dust on skin can lead to false positives in fingerstick tests [8][10]. Group 3: Historical Context and Regulatory Standards - Historically, lead exposure has been significantly reduced in many countries due to regulations banning leaded gasoline and paint [25][28]. - The current reference values for blood lead levels in China are considered outdated and lenient compared to international standards, with the World Health Organization recommending a maximum of 50 µg/L [20][21]. Group 4: Sources of Lead Contamination - The investigation revealed that the kindergarten used colored additives in food, with lead levels in some products exceeding 1000 ppm, which is higher than the limits for industrial paints [37][38]. - The potential use of lead-based pigments, such as chrome yellow, in food preparation raises serious concerns about the sources of these additives [40][42]. Group 5: Global Comparisons and Case Studies - Similar incidents of lead contamination in food products have been documented globally, including cases in Hungary and Bangladesh, where spices were found to contain lead due to illegal additives [48][56]. - The case of lead contamination in spices from South Asia highlights the ongoing risks associated with food safety and the need for stringent monitoring [61][62].

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal lead levels in children from a kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu Province, revealed that the use of non-food-grade paint containing lead in food preparation led to significant health risks for the children [1][2]. Group 1: Incident Details - The Tianshui City investigation team reported that the principal and investor of the kindergarten allowed kitchen staff to purchase and dilute non-food-grade paint for use in food preparation [1]. - The paint was found to contain lead, with two food samples from the kindergarten showing lead content of 1052 mg/kg and 1340 mg/kg, far exceeding the national food safety standard limit of 0.5 mg/kg [1]. - A total of 251 children were tested, with 233 showing abnormal blood lead levels and only 18 being normal [1]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Actions - Eight individuals, including the principal and investor, have been criminally detained for suspected production of toxic and harmful food [2]. - Two additional individuals are under bail supervision, and disciplinary investigations are underway for those responsible for regulatory failures [2].

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the food safety incident at the private kindergarten in Gansu has revealed alarming blood lead levels among children, prompting legal actions against the involved parties [1][7][8]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - As of July 7, all 251 children at the kindergarten have been tested, with 233 showing abnormal blood lead levels and 18 normal [2][3][9]. - The investigation involved sampling 223 items, including food, utensils, and environmental samples, with 221 passing safety standards. However, two food samples from the kindergarten were found to have lead levels significantly exceeding national safety limits [7][9]. - The two contaminated food items were a three-color red date cake and a corn roll, with lead concentrations of 1052 mg/kg and 1340 mg/kg, respectively, far above the permissible limit of 0.5 mg/kg [7]. Group 2: Legal and Administrative Actions - Following the discovery of the lead contamination, the local authorities initiated criminal investigations against the kindergarten's principal, legal representative, and the investor, along with eight other individuals [7][8]. - The involved parties reportedly used non-food-grade paint containing lead in food preparation, leading to their detention on charges of producing toxic and harmful food [8]. - A joint medical rescue expert group has been formed, including specialists from various provinces, to provide medical assistance to affected children [9].

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels in children at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu, revealed significant health risks due to food contamination, leading to criminal charges against the involved parties [1] Group 1: Investigation Findings - A total of 251 children were tested, with 233 showing abnormal blood lead levels and 18 normal [1] - Related kindergartens, including Weibei Kindergarten, Ciai Kindergarten, and Mondi Kindergarten, reported normal test results [1] - Out of 223 food samples tested, 221 passed, while 2 samples from Peixin Kindergarten failed, with lead levels of 1052 mg/kg and 1340 mg/kg, exceeding the national safety standard of 0.5 mg/kg [1] Group 2: Criminal Charges - The kindergarten's principal, Zhu Moulin, and investor, Li Moufang, were implicated for allowing the use of lead-containing paint in food preparation [1] - The police seized remaining paint that was identified as non-edible and contained lead [1] - Eight individuals have been criminally detained for producing toxic and harmful food, while two others are under bail supervision [1]

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels in children at the Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, revealed significant health risks due to food contamination, leading to criminal charges against several individuals involved in the management of the kindergarten [1][5]. Group 1: Incident Overview - As of July 7, all 251 children at Peixin Kindergarten were tested, with 233 showing abnormal blood lead levels and 18 normal [6]. - Related kindergartens, including Weibei, Ciai, and Mondai, reported normal test results [6]. - Two food samples from Peixin Kindergarten were found to be non-compliant with safety standards, containing lead levels of 1052 mg/kg and 1340 mg/kg, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.5 mg/kg [4][6]. Group 2: Investigation and Legal Actions - The investigation was initiated following a public report on July 1, leading to a joint task force from various departments to conduct thorough testing and trace the source of contamination [4]. - The kindergarten's principal and investor were found to have allowed the use of lead-containing paint in food preparation, resulting in their arrest along with six other individuals [5][11]. Group 3: Medical Response - A medical expert team was assembled to ensure the health and recovery of affected children, with multiple hospitals designated for treatment [7][10]. - A comprehensive treatment plan was established, including measures for detoxification and psychological support for the children [9][10]. - As of now, 201 children have been admitted for treatment, with ongoing efforts to provide free medical care and establish health management records for each child [10].

Core Points - The investigation into the abnormal blood lead levels in children at Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, revealed that out of 251 tested children, 233 had abnormal blood lead levels, while 18 were normal [1][5] - The investigation identified that two food samples from the kindergarten contained lead levels significantly exceeding the national food safety standard, with one sample at 1052 mg/kg and another at 1340 mg/kg, both exceeding the limit of 0.5 mg/kg [1][3] - The kindergarten's principal and investor were found to have allowed the use of non-food-grade paint containing lead in food preparation, leading to their criminal detention [1][4] Investigation and Response - A joint investigation team was formed by various local departments, including public security, health, and education, to trace the source of the contamination and conduct medical treatment for affected children [2][4] - The investigation began after a public report on July 1, leading to immediate sampling and testing of 223 samples from the kindergarten and associated institutions [2][3] - A medical rescue expert group was established to ensure the health and recovery of affected children, with multiple medical institutions involved in the treatment process [6][8] Medical Treatment and Support - A total of 201 affected children have been hospitalized for treatment, with a comprehensive medical plan including detoxification and psychological support being implemented [8][7] - The provincial health department has designated specific hospitals for treatment and established a green channel for families wishing to seek medical care outside the province [8] - Continuous monitoring and support will be provided to ensure the recovery of each affected child, with a focus on minimizing the psychological impact of the incident [7][8]