The incident that occurred at the "Peysin" private preschool in Gansu province, China, has garnered significant attention across the country. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
As a result of efforts made to please the children with the food provided, 233 children fell ill with high levels of lead poisoning. This situation is a consequence of insufficient oversight in food safety and irresponsibility.
It was found that the red date pie and corn rolls consumed by the children contained lead levels that were a thousand times higher than the national standard. The red date pie contained 1052 mg/kg of lead, while the corn roll contained 1340 mg/kg, whereas the standard is 0.5 mg/kg.
This makes the food extremely dangerous for human health. The colored substance used to decorate the food was purchased online, and its packaging bore the label "not intended for consumption."
Many children have been complaining of symptoms such as abdominal pain, leg pain, and loss of appetite since March. These symptoms indicate that lead is accumulating in the body.
Parents are taking their children to hospitals for medical examinations. For example, one parent took their child to a hospital in the city of Xi'an, where they received 10 days of medical supervision and special treatment.
In an investigation conducted by local police, surveillance footage from the kitchen showed chefs adding unauthorized coloring substances to the food. Currently, the school principal and seven staff members, including the main investor, are being investigated for the crime of "producing harmful and toxic products."
Lead poisoning poses a significant risk to the body. It negatively affects the liver, nervous system, absorption, and immunity.
In children, it can lead to anemia, difficulties in learning, delays in mental development, and neurological damage. The cause of this tragedy is not only the irresponsibility of a particular institution but also the manifestation of shortcomings in the overall food safety oversight system.
The mayor of the city of Tianshui, Lyu Litszyan, acknowledged the incident and stated that the city administration would take necessary measures to prevent such occurrences. The central government and the Ministry of Health have taken the incident under serious control and formed a special group.
Investigations are ongoing, and sanitation regulations and food supply oversight in preschool institutions have been strengthened. This incident once again highlighted the need to enhance responsibility in the field of food safety.
