On October 16, 2026, a court in northwest China sentenced kindergarten owner Li Huifang to life imprisonment for deliberately poisoning 247 children and staff with lead paint mixed into food at Heshi Peixin Kindergarten. Five other individuals, including the executive principal and kitchen workers, also received prison sentences ranging from six to fifteen years for their roles in the scheme.

This incident highlights persistent food safety challenges in China and the severe risks faced by vulnerable populations, particularly young children, when such regulations are violated. The case sparked widespread public outrage across China, reflecting ongoing concerns about food safety.

What the Records Show

The Lanzhou Intermediate People's Court found Li Huifang guilty of producing and selling toxic and harmful food. She was sentenced to life in prison, and her personal assets totaling 500,000 yuan were ordered to be confiscated. The court determined that Li Huifang and executive principal Zhu Jinglin instructed kitchen staff to add inedible lead-containing pigments to food. The purpose was to enhance the food's visual appeal. Laboratory tests later revealed lead concentrations in food samples, such as red steamed buns with dates and baked goods with sausages and corn, that exceeded China's permissible limits by up to 2,000 times. Zhu Jinglin received a 15-year prison sentence and a 300,000 yuan fine. Four kitchen workers involved were sentenced to terms between six and eight years.

Investigation and Timeline

The scheme to add lead-containing pigments to food began in May 2024. The poisonings came to light in July 2025 when children at the Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Tianshui, Gansu province, began falling ill. A provincial investigation report confirmed that contaminated pastries had been served to children and staff monthly since the scheme began. Subsequent examinations revealed that 247 children and staff members suffered from abnormally high blood lead levels and related health issues.

The Impact

The victims, numbering 247, experienced elevated blood lead levels, which can lead to various health problems. According to the World Health Organization, lead is a toxic heavy metal particularly dangerous to young children, as exposure can severely damage their brains and nervous systems. The lead-tainted food caused symptoms including sore stomachs, vomiting, and constipation.

What the Defendants Said

The available evidence does not include public statements made by Li Huifang, Zhu Jinglin, or the other convicted staff members regarding the charges or their sentencing.

What We Could Not Confirm

We could not confirm the current health status or long-term prognosis for the 247 children and staff who suffered from lead poisoning. Details regarding any civil lawsuits filed by the victims or their families were also not available in the provided records.