The Layers of a Poisoned Truth: Gansu Lead Poisoning Scandal

In Tianshui, Gansu province, more than 200 kindergarten children were poisoned by lead-tainted food — a shocking case that revealed multiple layers of failure. Investigations found that the kindergarten had added industrial lead-based paint to meals to make them look more appealing. The scandal triggered protests from parents and led to the detention of school staff, investors, and local officials.

While official narratives emphasized swift investigations and arrests, far less attention was given to the deeper context. Parents alleged that authorities delayed disclosure, suppressed early complaints, and manipulated blood test results to avoid public outrage. Online discussions claimed the contamination originated from industrial waste-laced ingredients supplied to the school, pointing to a chain of negligence reaching well beyond the kindergarten. Some reports also suggested that health checks were intentionally downplayed to shield local officials and businesses. These accounts, however, were quickly removed from public view through censorship.

Click here for related news report.