PM on kindergarten food poisoning outbreak: Crucial for relevant agencies to determine cause of nursery food poisoning and hold responsible parties accountable

“The paramount priority is for the competent authorities to establish the root cause of the food poisoning outbreak across our kindergartens. While a specific issue clearly arose, I must refrain from prejudging the outcome,” stated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in response to press inquiries.

The head of government emphasised that investigative agencies must determine whether specific contractor firms bear criminal or civil culpability.

“A single catering firm provides food services across the entire capital. Evidently, a specific failure occurred; however, I cannot prejudice the ongoing investigation. The crucial mandate now is for relevant agencies to establish the precise cause and determine whether fault lies with a particular company or companies.

Should liability be established, those responsible will face full legal accountability. Nonetheless, we must let the formal enquiry run its course. Once the facts are fully established, we will issue a comprehensive statement,” Kobakhidze noted.

According to official data released by health authorities, 55 children and one staff member across 20 municipal kindergartens in Tbilisi have presented with acute symptoms of food poisoning. Victims sought emergency medical assistance across six healthcare institutions in the capital. The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance has launched a probe.

The Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency confirmed it has temporarily suspended operations in seven facilities to contain epidemiological risks; the remaining 183 nurseries continue to operate as normal.