The National Food Agency Releases Final Results of Monitoring Conducted in Kindergartens

The National Food Agency is releasing the final results of monitoring conducted in kindergartens.

According to the Agency, the results are now available for all 694 samples of various animal-based and non-animal-based food products collected for laboratory analysis. All of these samples comply with established food safety standards. "Following reports of gastroenteritis cases caused by norovirus among children in Tbilisi kindergartens, the National Food Agency immediately launched a comprehensive investigation.

The Agency’s inspection teams examined the catering facilities within the kindergartens, as well as the production sites for meat and dairy products. As part of the monitoring process, various food items collected from the kindergartens underwent laboratory testing. These included fruits and vegetables; dairy products (cheese, powdered milk, ultra-pasteurized drinking milk, butter, and sour cream); meat and meat products (beef and chicken); grains; prepared meals; and drinking water. The analysis covered parameters such as heavy metals, nitrates, microbiological indicators, and pathogens (including aerobic microorganisms, coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus)," states the National Food Agency. In September of this year, reports emerged that 55 children and one staff member across 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi exhibited signs of intoxication; they sought medical assistance at six different medical facilities in the city. The Minister of Health later clarified that more than 100 children required hospitalization due to these symptoms, though there were no complications or anticipated risks. On September 18, the investigative service launched an inquiry into the incidents of intoxication at the kindergartens.