According to Georgia’s National Food Agency, no violations were detected in 129 samples of animal and non-animal food products collected from public kindergartens in Tbilisi. As stated in the agency’s report, routine monitoring across the capital’s preschools is ongoing.
“To conduct laboratory testing, samples of animal and non-animal products were taken from kindergartens, specifically: fruits and vegetables, dairy products (cheese, milk powder, UHT drinking milk, butter, sour cream), meat and poultry, as well as grains.
Laboratory testing covers parameters such as the presence of heavy metals, nitrates, as well as microbiological indicators and pathogens (aerobic microorganisms, coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, and coagulase-positive staphylococci).
To date, 129 food samples of animal and non-animal origin collected from kindergartens have been analyzed. According to the test results, all examined samples fully comply with established safety norms and standards—no violations were recorded in any instance.
In response to cases of norovirus-induced gastroenteritis among Tbilisi kindergarten pupils, the National Food Agency immediately launched a comprehensive investigation. Agency inspection teams have examined approximately 70 facilities (public daycares and nurseries, a meat processing plant, and a dairy storage warehouse). A total of 694 samples of various food products and drinking water were taken for laboratory analysis, with findings to be released in stages,” the agency noted in its statement.
Earlier, on September 18, over 100 children attending public kindergartens in Tbilisi were hospitalized with symptoms of suspected food poisoning. According to the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), laboratory findings indicate that the overwhelming majority of gastroenteritis cases in the preschools were, with a high degree of probability, caused by norovirus. The center added that this pathogen represents the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide.
The Investigation Service has launched a probe into the suspected poisoning of children in preschool institutions.