National Food Agency: No violations found in 129 food samples tested from kindergartens

According to information released by the National Food Agency (NFA), no violations have been identified in 129 animal- and non-animal-derived food samples collected from kindergartens.

“For laboratory testing purposes, samples of food of animal and non-animal origin were gathered from kindergartens, specifically: fruit and vegetables, dairy produce (cheese, milk powder, ultra-pasteurised drinking milk, butter, sour cream), meat and meat products (beef, chicken), as well as cereals.

Laboratory testing is conducted for parameters such as heavy metals, nitrates, microbiological indicators, and pathogens (aerobic microorganisms, coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, coagulase-positive Staphylococci).

At this stage, 129 animal and non-animal food samples collected from kindergartens have been examined. As a result of the laboratory testing, all tested samples fully comply with established standards and safety norms; no violations were detected in any instance.

In connection with cases of norovirus-induced gastroenteritis among children in Tbilisi kindergartens, the National Food Agency immediately launched a comprehensive investigation.

The agency’s inspection teams have audited around 70 facilities (public kindergartens, a meat processing plant, and a dairy storage warehouse). A total of 694 samples of various foodstuffs and drinking water have been taken for laboratory testing, the results of which will become known incrementally,” the statement from the NFA reads.

Last week, reports emerged that 55 children and one educator across 20 public kindergartens in Tbilisi exhibited signs of intoxication, seeking medical assistance across six medical facilities in the capital.

The Minister of Health later clarified that while over 100 children required hospitalisation due to symptoms of intoxication, there were no cases of severe complications or ongoing risk. The Investigation Service launched a formal inquiry into the kindergarten intoxication cases on 18 September.