Criminal Case Opened Against Several Outsourcing Companies Over Kindergarten Poisonings

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Tashkent region, a criminal case has been initiated against several outsourcing companies in connection with a mass food poisoning incident involving children in state-run kindergartens, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.

The incident occurred on 24 September in several districts — Pskent, Bukin, Bekabad, Kuyichirchik, and Akkurgan — where numerous cases of foodborne illness among preschool children were recorded.

The Investigation Department of the Main Directorate of Internal Affairs of the region has opened a criminal case under Article 257-1, Part 1 of the Criminal Code against the responsible officials of several private companies that supplied food to kindergartens on an outsourcing basis. Initial investigative actions are currently underway.

The case is under the supervision of the General Prosecutor’s Office. To ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation, a special working group has been established under the leadership of First Deputy General Prosecutor Bakhriddin Valiev.

Medical examinations of all children in the affected kindergartens have been organized, along with diagnostics and treatment for those who fell ill.

According to doctors, no severe or critical cases have been recorded, and the condition of the patients remains under constant medical supervision.

At the same time, the prosecutor’s office has initiated inspections of food supply conditions in all state kindergartens where services are provided by private companies under outsourcing contracts.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have promised to provide additional information to the public through the media once the inquiry progresses.