The case of food poisoning that occurred in the Forish district of the Jizzakh region has caused great concern among the public. According to reports, 37 children attending several preschools were hospitalized in serious condition. This was reported by the district administration’s press service.
According to official information, on October 9 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., children aged 3 to 7 from state preschools No. 1, 3, 5, and 7 under the Forish district’s Department of Preschool and School Education applied to the district medical association with complaints of fever, abdominal pain, nausea, and weakness.
Doctors examined the children, diagnosed them with “acute diarrhea,” and provided necessary inpatient medical treatment. During the epidemiological investigation, it was found that one day before the poisoning — on October 8 — the children had consumed biokefir, cheese, and butter in their preschools.
According to the preliminary conclusion of specialists from the sanitary and epidemiological service, the incident may have resulted from violations of sanitary rules during the transportation, storage, or preparation of food products. It was revealed that in some institutions the products were not stored under the required temperature conditions, which increased the likelihood of microbiological contamination.
Currently, the Forish district prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case regarding this incident. The investigation is being conducted under Article 205, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan — “Causing harm to human health by negligence in the performance of official duties.”
During the investigation, the activities of food suppliers, the work of preschool kitchen staff, and the actions of those responsible for sanitary control are being examined.
At present, the condition of the children in medical institutions is stable, and they are provided with necessary medications. According to the regional health department, the condition of some children has improved, and several have been left in the hospital for observation.
The public and social media users have sharply criticized the situation. They emphasize the need to review the food supply system in educational institutions, ensure compliance with sanitary standards, and strengthen product quality control.
Experts believe that such incidents should be addressed not only through punitive measures but also through systemic reforms. Constant laboratory monitoring of food safety and the improvement of staff qualifications must be introduced in educational institutions.
Children’s health is the greatest wealth of the state and society. Therefore, in order to prevent such tragedies from recurring, responsibility and control at all levels must be strengthened.
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