Share this @internewscast.com
In northwest China, authorities have reported that over 200 kindergarten students were found to have unusually high lead levels in their blood due to the school incorporating paint into their food.
The case highlights long-running food safety concerns in China.
According to a police official, reported by state broadcaster CCTV, the school in Gansu province used paint in an effort to lure more students and boost income. CCTV shared the detailed findings of an investigation conducted by the province and city online.
The Heshi Peixin Kindergarten located in Tianshui city purchased the paint over the internet and mixed it into meals during preparation, as noted by CCTV. Elevated lead levels were especially identified in a tri-colored breakfast cake and a sausage dish served for dinner.
State-run Jimu News spoke to a parent last week who said that some children attending the centre had been experiencing stomach pain and nausea, and that some of their teeth turned black.
Of the 251 students at the kindergarten, 233 had abnormal lead levels, with 201 receiving hospital treatment, the report said. The World Health Organisation says exposure is âparticularly harmfulâ to young children, including in the development of the central nervous system.
âThere is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects,â WHO says.
Dozens of students had levels above the Chinese standard for lead poisoning in children, three other media outlets reported, based on test results shared by parents. The investigation did not provide details of blood tests.
Eight people, including the headmaster, have been detained.
