According to the preliminary investigation results announced by the Tianshui City Government, Gansu Province, the principal of Peixin Private Kindergarten instructed the kitchen staff to mix decorative paint into food to increase eye-catching colors, thereby attracting students, increasing the effect of promotional images, and supporting enrollment. This was done for a long time, causing hundreds of children to be poisoned with lead at concentrations exceeding the allowable threshold.

Notably, according to ABC News , the latest report shows that the school bribed several local hospitals to conceal the poisoning. Specifically, many children's blood test results were altered to lower the level of lead contamination. In one case, the lead index was lowered from 292.37 to 42.37 micrograms/liter; in another case, it was adjusted from 440.14 to 103 micrograms/liter.

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A kindergarten was accused of mixing decorative paint into the flour used to make three-colored cakes for children to eat to make the food more attractive, thereby attracting students. Photo: Red Note

The Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control has also been criticized for negligence, resulting in 247 unreliable blood test results. Six people have been arrested, including the school principal, and at least 27 government officials are under investigation.

Over the weekend, videos circulating on Chinese social media showed many parents confronting the authorities and police over the delay in detecting and handling the case. Some parents said they had their children tested in other provinces and found lead levels eight times higher than the local results.

Authorities deploy long-term support for victims

Under pressure from public opinion and guidance from the central government, the Tianshui city government has announced a long-term support plan for those affected. According to China Daily , the program will apply to 251 children currently attending the school, 48 students who graduated last year, and 29 staff and teachers.

These subjects will receive long-term medical, rehabilitation, educational and legal support. Treatment will be completely free at 4 designated hospitals, or at any qualified medical facility if the family needs it.

The program covers the costs of medical examination, testing, medicine, treatment, travel, meals and accommodation, managed and paid for by the local Department of Education from public funds.

Regarding education, Peixin Kindergarten will be temporarily handed over to a public school for management. The local government will be responsible for personnel, facilities and teachers' salaries to ensure stable learning for students during the transition period.

In addition, a team of dedicated lawyers will be deployed to provide free and long-term legal assistance to the families. Advance payments from the support fund will be recovered from legally responsible individuals or organizations after the investigation is completed.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/vu-hieu-truong-lenh-tron-son-vao-thuc-an-tre-nha-truong-hoi-lo-de-che-giau-2425908.html