Chinese kindergarten principal dismissed after kitchen hygiene scandal

Authorities in China’s Jiangsu province have dismissed a kindergarten principal, a deputy principal and the entire kitchen staff after an investigation into serious food-hygiene problems. The case involved the Affiliated Kindergarten of Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. Several children experienced nausea and vomiting around June 30, while parents raised concerns about the canteen during the summer break.

A health teacher and canteen safety supervisor, identified as Wang, later alleged that staff washed dirty mops and drain covers in cooking pots and disinfected mosquito nets in sinks used for food preparation. She also alleged that ingredients had been taken by staff. Wang said she reported the problems to the principal but they were not resolved.

After resigning, she published the allegations and photographs on social media. The kindergarten and a neighbourhood office initially rejected the claims as rumours. A district investigation launched on September 22 reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed serious problems in the kitchen.

The principal and the deputy principal responsible for logistics were dismissed, along with all kitchen workers. Eleven officials from the neighbourhood office, district market-regulation administration and education bureau received warnings or demerits for failing to carry out supervisory duties. Some observers questioned why the report did not mention criminal liability for the principal.

Chinese law provides penalties for certain state officials whose neglect of food-safety duties causes serious consequences, but the supplied material does not state whether prosecutors are investigating this case. Wang said she was relieved by the announcement and hoped children could now receive clean food. New national guidelines make kindergarten principals primarily responsible for food safety.