“It appears that there was a specific problem, although I cannot get ahead of the investigation. The important thing is for the relevant agencies to determine whether a specific company or companies were responsible. In that case, there will also be accountability,” Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, commenting on the launch of an investigation into cases of intoxication at kindergartens.

According to him, a specific company provides the relevant services to kindergartens across the capital.

“Generally, controls are in place. There is a specific company that provides catering and the relevant services to kindergartens across the capital.

It appears that there was a specific problem, although I cannot get ahead of the events. The important thing is for the relevant agencies to determine whether a specific company or companies were responsible. In that case, there will also be accountability. However, let us not get ahead of the investigation. This issue must be examined, and only then will we be able to comment,” the Prime Minister said.

The Investigative Service has launched an investigation into the intoxication cases at kindergartens. According to the agency, 55 children and one staff member from 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi have shown symptoms of intoxication and received medical assistance at six medical facilities. More than 50 legal representatives of the children and medical facility employees have already been questioned as part of the investigation.

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

The National Food Agency has also launched an investigation into the suspected intoxication of children at the kindergartens.