Criminal Case Opened After Food Poisoning at Fergana Kindergartens
Authorities in Fergana have opened a criminal investigation after children at three state kindergartens were hospitalised with suspected food poisoning, the city police department said.
On February 21, officials received reports that pupils at state preschool institutions No. 58, 2 and 61 had fallen ill. The children showed symptoms including fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. All were taken to the Fergana Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Doctors said their condition is under control.
The Fergana regional prosecutor’s office, regional police and other relevant agencies are investigating the incident. A criminal case has been launched under Article 257-1 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, which concerns violations of sanitary legislation or epidemic control rules.
Catering System Under Scrutiny
According to Telegram channel Revizor, in July 2024, under a decision by Fergana regional governor Khayrullo Bozorov, a catering system was introduced in state kindergartens in Kuvasoy. The proposal of Garden Catering LLC to prepare and deliver meals was approved. At the time the decision was adopted, the company had been established only a month earlier.
Although contracts described Garden Catering as a joint venture, it is currently not registered as one. The company’s sole founder is Iqboljon Bozorov, who has the same surname as the governor of the region.
An inspection by the Ministry of Preschool and School Education found that meals did not comply with sanitary standards. Investigators reported breaches of hygiene requirements and the absence of laboratory monitoring.
The Competition Committee also issued a formal instruction calling for the cancellation of the governor’s decision. Despite this, the decision was not revoked and Garden Catering continued supplying food to nurseries under direct contracts.
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