Mass poisoning of children occurred in several kindergartens in Pskent and Buka districts of Tashkent province Wednesday, the press service of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education said.
The children were taken to the infectious diseases departments of hospitals. Following initial checks, they were diagnosed with acute functional gastrointestinal disorder and foodborne toxic infection.
ReportedlyMost of the children received the necessary medical care and were discharged the same day. No serious cases were identified, according to the statement. The number of children poisoned was not disclosed.
"The situation was immediately brought under the control of the ministry. An investigation has been launched jointly with the Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health, as well as law enforcement agencies," the Ministry of Preschool and School Education stated.
According to provisional findings, poor-quality dairy products may have been the cause of the poisoning. The probe found that the 3.2% fat kefir delivered to kindergartens was produced at a facility in the Akkurgan district.
Laboratory testing of samples taken from the sick children, as well as food samples consumed, is currently underway, with investigation ongoing.
Like any government-managed entity, kindergartens are cradles of corruption, with senior staff misappropriating public funds, taking home and selling food designated for children, providing bedrooms for couples at nights for cash, corrupt hiring and etc.
