food samples were tested for understanding the situation of food contamination by lead at Lanzhou city. Among the 558 samples, some were from shops and some were from industries. Among the 195 samples of cold drink, lead was found in 118 (60.5%) samples,and the content of lead in 17(8.72%) samples exceeded the standard limit. From 75 samples of pastries,lead was detected from 35(52%) samples.Lead content of 8(10.67%) samples was beyond the national standard limit. 48 samples of flavoring were examined,lead was found in 43 (89.58%) samples, with one(2.08%) beyond the national standard limit. In the 51 samples of candied fruit and sweets tested,43(84.31%) samples contained lead,with no sample beyond the standard limit. In 29 (58%) of 50 samples of wine,lead was found,with 2(4%) samples beyond the standard limit. In 139 samples of dried fruit and nut,123(88.49%) contained lead.Contents of lead of most foods,however,met the requirements of national standard. For the benefit of consumers and international trade competition, we suggest that the national standard should be modified to approach the international standard.