More than 200 children poisoned by lead in China (2 photos + 1 video)
More than 200 children at a kindergarten in northern Gansu Province, China, have been found to have abnormally high levels of lead in their blood. The heavy metal was ingested by children eating food that had been dyed to make it more appealing. 
The incident occurred just over a week ago. Parents rushed to get their children tested after a kindergarten in Tianshui closed. Some were concerned about the accuracy of the test results at a local hospital and turned to other clinics. Some had lead levels as high as 400 μg/L, while the norm is 0.15 to 4.0 μg/L. 
According to the Xinhua news agency, a kindergarten cook bought the toxic ingredient online. He added it to food in a diluted form: in sponge cakes with dates and corn rolls. Analysis showed that the dishes contained more than 1,000 mg of lead per kilogram.
A CCTV camera recorded the cook adding the dye to the dish.
A total of 251 children were enrolled in a kindergarten. Of these, 233 had abnormal levels of lead in their blood.
Eight people have been arrested, including the director of the institution. Two suspects have been released on bail.
Locals believe the authorities are trying to cover up the incident. One told Sky News: "I don't know much, but it seems like a cover-up. I think they are covering up even bigger violations."
China has had its share of food safety scandals.
In 2008, infant formula produced by Sanlu Group was found to contain the chemical melamine, which is designed to increase measured protein levels. Six babies died and another 300,000 children were affected.
