Dairy products have been temporarily excluded from the menus of Tbilisi kindergartens, the Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Georgian Service.
The decision follows suspected cases of food poisoning among children and the launch of investigative procedures, under which laboratory tests of food items were conducted.
The agency emphasized that the temporary withdrawal of dairy products does not mean that any violations were uncovered during the inspections. Rather, it is a preventive measure implemented “until the results of all tests become known.”
“Dairy products will return to the menu as soon as the testing is completed,” the agency stated.
Officials also noted that, unlike on September 18, no new cases of illness among children have been reported.
On September 18, 2026, four days after classes resumed in public kindergartens, dozens of children were hospitalized showing signs of suspected intoxication. As Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze later reported, the number of medical visits exceeded 100.
On the same day, seven kindergartens suspended admissions “to hedge epidemiological risks.”
The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance opened an inquiry under Part 2 of Article 198 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which penalizes the production or sale of goods that pose a danger to life or health.
According to the Investigation Service, searches were conducted at four kindergartens and three food supply companies. In addition, legal guardians of more than 50 children and medical personnel were questioned.
On September 19, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that it was premature to assert whether food products were responsible for the issue, emphasizing the need to await the findings of specialized agencies.
On September 20, the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) announced that norovirus was highly likely the primary cause behind the gastroenteritis cases among children in Tbilisi kindergartens.
According to the NCDC, specialized departments of the Ministry of Agriculture were involved in the inspections from the outset to conduct a comprehensive assessment of food safety in childcare facilities.
