China: Life imprisonment after lead poisoning in kindergarten

The operator of a Chinese kindergarten has been sentenced to life in prison after poisoning more than 200 children with food containing lead.

As the state news agency Xinhua reported, a court in the city of Lanzhou found the woman guilty of producing and selling poisonous and unhealthy food. Five other employees received prison sentences of between six and 15 years.

According to the court's finding, the operator and the kindergarten management had instructed the kitchen staff to mix harmful substances into the food. The food was served to children and employees at the facility in Tianshui, Gansu Province. The colors were intended to make the meals more appealing and thus advertise the kindergarten.

The case became known in July 2025. According to an investigation report published by Xinhua, 247 children were found to have elevated blood lead levels. Employees were also affected.

The kitchen had mixed paints into dough for cakes and filled rolls, even though the packaging specifically stated that the paints were not suitable for consumption. In two food samples examined, the lead content was more than 2,000 times higher than permitted under Chinese food standards.

The investigation also uncovered failures by authorities and medical institutions. At a local hospital, children's blood test results were subsequently altered downwards. At that time, the authorities initiated investigations into numerous people responsible.