More than 200 children are receiving hospital treatment for lead poisoning in north-west China after a shocking food safety scandal at a kindergarten in Tianshui City, Gansu province.
Authorities say school chefs used inedible, lead-based paint to decorate meals served to the children. As a result, food samples tested showed lead levels nearly 2,000 times higher than the national safety limit.
Following the incident, eight people including school staff and food suppliers have been arrested. Investigators believe the paint was used to make food look more appealing.
Meanwhile, health officials have rushed to provide care for affected children. Most are stable, though several remain under close observation.
The case has sparked national outrage, with many parents demanding stricter food safety enforcement in schools.
So far, authorities have launched a wider investigation into food practices at other institutions in the region.
