233 Children Hospitalized in China After Consuming Contaminated School Food” — 8 Arrested Including Principal

233 Children Hospitalized in China After Consuming Contaminated School Food” — 8 Arrested Including Principal
[Beijing | July 8, 2025]

At least 233 children have been hospitalized in Tianshui city, Gansu province, after consuming toxic food served at a local kindergarten. Authorities have arrested eight individuals, including the school principal, in connection with the incident.

Police revealed that the food prepared in the school’s kitchen contained non-edible industrial coloring agents, some of which were found to contain lead levels exceeding national safety limits by up to 2,000 times.

Medical tests confirmed elevated lead levels in the children’s blood. During their investigation, police discovered hidden colored substances in the kitchen. According to the official statement, the packaging of these dyes was clearly labeled “Not for consumption.”

Investigators said the school principal instructed kitchen staff to purchase the dyes online. State media released CCTV footage showing school employees applying the illegal coloring to meals served to children.

The incident has triggered widespread panic among parents. One parent told the BBC,
“I’m deeply concerned about the long-term effects on my son’s liver and digestive system.”
Another parent shared that their child had already been admitted to the hospital last week and was prescribed a 10-day treatment.

The case has sparked a wave of outrage on Chinese social media, with many demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.

However, it remains unclear how long the toxic food had been served at the school. Some parents claim their children had been experiencing stomach pain, leg aches, and loss of appetite since March.

China’s education and health authorities have launched a formal investigation, and the government has vowed to take strict legal action against all those involved.