The principal involved also ate the colored food.

After investigation, in early 2024, Zhu Moulin, the head of Heshipeixin Kindergarten, wanted to enhance the attractiveness of the kindergarten for enrollment by improving the color and appearance of the food to appeal to children and gain approval from parents. With the consent of the investor Li Moufang, she instructed the chef He Mouxia to purchase pigments to add to the food, take photos and videos, and continuously promote them in WeChat groups and Moments. Head Zhu Moulin also consumed food with added pigments at the kindergarten meals. After testing, her blood lead level was 169.3g/L. According to the investigation, the kindergarten had previously bought and used natural fruit and vegetable powder at a price of 5.04 yuan/100g, which was cheaper than pigments. However, after comparison, they believed that the color additives made the food appear brighter.