Rat poison blamed for kindergarten deaths in Yunnan

Tetramine, a banned neurotoxic rodenticide, caused the food poisoning that killed two children at a kindergarten in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said on Thursday.

Investigators found the toxic substance in snacks brought to Jiajia Kindergarten by a student who shared the food with other children, said Zhao Minjian, an official in charge of media communication with the Qiubei County Government.

Specimen checks showed school meals were safe, said Zhao.

Thirty-two children showed symptoms of food poisoning on Wednesday afternoon. Of the seven in critical condition, two girls, aged four and five, died. Five others are recovering.

Most of the ill have been discharged from hospital.

Related: Children receive treatment after eating rat poison

Situated in Pinglong Village of Qiubei County, the private kindergarten with 79 students was opened on Feb 25, 2013 and owned by Huang Yongji. Of the four teachers, three are certified.

A further investigation is under way.

Read more: Authorities launch inspections of schools nationwide