Chinese nursery owner jailed for life after poisoning hundreds of children

A Chinese nursery owner has been sentenced to life imprisonment after more than 200 children suffered lead poisoning from food contaminated with toxic paint.

According to the BBC, Li Huifang, owner of Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Gansu province, was convicted of producing and selling toxic food.

Investigations revealed that kitchen workers added inedible paint to meals to “enhance the look” and attract more pupils.

Authorities discovered that 247 pupils and staff had abnormally high blood lead levels in July 2025, with 235 children requiring treatment.

Laboratory tests found lead concentrations exceeding China’s national safety limit by more than 2,000 times.

The Lanzhou Intermediate People’s Court also confiscated 500,000 yuan from Li.

Nursery principal Zhi Jinglin received a 15-year prison sentence, while four kitchen workers were jailed for six to eight years.

Investigators also uncovered attempts by provincial officials and hospital workers to conceal the poisoning through manipulated blood tests and bribery.

China subsequently introduced stricter food safety regulations for schools.