The National Food Agency has launched an inquiry into suspected cases of food poisoning among children at kindergartens.

According to the National Food Agency, immediately after receiving the information, its inspectors collected food samples from kindergartens and food-supplying companies and sent them to a laboratory for examination. The agency said it will publish the laboratory test results as soon as they are received.

“The National Food Agency, together with the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance, has launched an inquiry into suspected cases of intoxication among children and a teacher at kindergartens in Tbilisi.

“Immediately after receiving the information, agency inspectors collected food samples from kindergartens and food-supplying companies and sent them to a laboratory for examination. The agency will make the laboratory test results public as soon as they are received.

“Before the start of the educational process, the National Food Agency conducted monitoring at kindergartens and assessed their infrastructure’s compliance with legislation. At the same time, within the framework of a priority area, active control of the entire food production chain continues in kindergarten catering facilities — from the receipt, storage and processing of food to the distribution of the finished product,” the statement said.

For reference, the Investigation Service has launched an investigation into cases of intoxication at kindergartens. According to the agency, 55 children and one teacher from 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi are showing signs of intoxication, and they received medical assistance at six clinics. More than 50 legal representatives of children and employees of medical facilities have already been interviewed as part of the investigation.

“According to information available at this stage, the intoxication may be linked to a bacterial infection, the source of which is presumably food products consumed at the kindergartens. The specific product that caused the intoxication will be determined following the relevant expert examination.

“The investigation is ongoing. Items, documents and food products relevant to the case will be seized from all kindergartens where cases of intoxication have been reported,” the statement said.