Tbilisi Kindergarten Agency issues update on suspected intoxication cases: 184 kindergartens operate normally as probe continues

The Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency issued a follow-up statement on intoxication incidents reported across city kindergartens. The Agency confirmed that early childhood education services continue under normal operations across 184 kindergartens.

Municipal authorities noted that hospital admissions among kindergarten pupils showed no further increase throughout the day.

“In view of intense public interest, we wish to inform the society that the overwhelming majority of Tbilisi kindergartens, specifically 184 facilities, are operating as normal, providing daily care and managing food supply chains from initial delivery through to final consumption. Not a single new case of illness was recorded during the day. At present, municipal preschool services have been temporarily suspended at seven kindergartens where several cases of illness were initially identified.

We state with full authority that all procedures governing food delivery, storage, preparation, and serving in our kindergartens undergo rigorous daily inspections to ensure that children receive safe food meeting all established standards. Sanitary and hygienic protocols are likewise meticulously maintained.

The catering system across Tbilisi public kindergartens has met local and international standards for years. HACCP standards are fully embedded, safeguarding the entire supply chain from producer to consumer. Every batch of food entering a nursery is accompanied by certified laboratory testing reports and required documentation. Furthermore, food samples are systematically retained for the required holding period.

Notably, prior to the start of the academic year, catering blocks across all kindergartens were inspected both by experts from the National Food Agency and specialists from our own Monitoring Department. These teams thoroughly inspected the physical environment, storage facilities, temperature controls, food quality, and expiry dates.

We reiterate that no uptick in clinic admissions among nursery pupils was recorded throughout the day. Regarding hospital admissions over the past 24 hours and the potential root causes of the illness, the matter remains under active investigation. The Tbilisi Kindergarten Management Agency is awaiting the expert findings, after which comprehensive updates will be provided,” the official statement concluded.