Authorities in China have reported more than 200 children fell sick after being given food with high levels of lead.
Health officials identified 233 students at a preschool in Gansu province had abnormal levels of lead in their blood. At least 200 children are believed to have been admitted to hospital.
State media reported that eight people had been arrested.
Investigators found two food samples had lead levels of 1,052 mg/kg and 1,340 mg/kg. These amounts far exceed the national limit of 0.5 mg/kg.
Chefs at the kindergarten in Tianshui City are suspected to have used lead paint bought online that was labeled as not for food use.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, lead may be present in food from the environment where foods are grown, raised, or processed. Because there is no known safe level of exposure to lead, the FDA monitors and regulates levels in foods.
The potential for adverse health effects from consuming food contaminated with lead varies depending on the level of lead in the food; age of the person; and length, amount, and frequency of exposure. High levels of exposure in infancy and early childhood can lead to neurological effects such as learning or behavior difficulties, and lowered IQ.
The incident is the latest food safety issue affecting China. In 2024, Chinese media reported on the use of tankers for transporting fuel being used to carry edible oils without undergoing the proper cleaning. In response, the State Administration for Market Regulation introduced new standards beginning in February this year. Containers for edible vegetable oil must be packaged in dedicated food-grade containers marked for edible oil only or food use only.
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