The National Food Agency of Georgia has launched an investigation into the suspected intoxication of children in Tbilisi kindergartens.
According to the agency, immediately upon receiving the information, inspectors collected food samples from the kindergartens and supplier companies and sent them for laboratory analysis. The agency will publish the laboratory results as soon as they are received.
“Prior to the start of the educational process, the National Food Agency conducted monitoring in kindergartens and assessed infrastructure compliance with the legislation. Furthermore, as a matter of priority, active oversight of the entire food production chain continues in kindergarten catering facilities—from the stages of receiving, storage, and processing to the distribution of prepared food,” the statement reads.
As previously reported, 55 children and one teacher across 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi exhibited signs of poisoning. They received medical treatment across six clinics. As part of the investigation, over 50 legal guardians of the children, along with healthcare facility staff, have already been questioned.
“According to information available at this stage, the intoxication may be linked to a bacterial infection, the suspected source of which is food supplied to the kindergartens. The exact product that caused the intoxication will be identified based on the findings of the relevant expertise. The investigation is ongoing. Items, documents, and food products pertinent to the case will be seized from all kindergartens where cases of poisoning were recorded,” the statement notes.