17.10.2026 16:32
In a case concerning the poisoning of 247 children at a kindergarten in China, the school's director was sentenced to life imprisonment. It was determined that the director ordered toxic substances to be added to the food given to the children in order to make it more colorful and attractive. Tests showed that the lead levels in the blood of 247 children were at abnormal levels.
In a case in which six people accused of producing and selling poisonous and harmful food that caused the poisoning of 247 children at a kindergarten in Tianshui, China, were tried, the kindergarten's director was sentenced to life imprisonment.
It was stated that Li Huifang, director of Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, and administrative director Zhu Jinglin instructed that toxic substances be added and organized the process in order to make the food served to children and staff look more colorful and attractive.
ASSETS CONFISCATED
According to the verdict announced by the Intermediate People's Court in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, in northwestern China, Li, who was sentenced to life imprisonment and deprived of political rights for life, also had personal assets worth 500,000 yuan (about 74,000 US dollars) confiscated. Zhu was sentenced to 15 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 yuan, while four kitchen workers who carried out the instructions were also sentenced to between 6 and 8 years in prison and fines.
CHILDREN'S BLOOD LEAD LEVELS ABNORMALLY HIGH
According to the provincial investigation report published in July 2025, the pastries in question had been served to children and staff every month since May 2024. Tests found that 247 of 251 children had abnormal blood lead levels. All of these children received hospital treatment or nutritional support at home. As of July 20, 2025, most of the affected children had completed their initial treatment and been discharged from hospitals.
Following the investigation report announced in July, provincial inspection authorities launched an investigation into 10 local officials, including the director of the provincial health commission and officials of Tianshui city. The Gansu provincial government announced that full support would be provided for the children's treatment.