Currently, eight children are undergoing treatment at the Tsitsishvili Children's Clinic following suspected cases of intoxication linked to kindergartens.

According to the clinic's medical director, Maia Chkhiadze, three additional children were admitted, complaining of food poisoning contracted at kindergartens.

She added that a total of 17 patients had been admitted for this reason, nine of whom have already been discharged to continue recovery at home.

For the record, the Investigative Service has launched an investigation into cases of intoxication in kindergartens; symptoms of intoxication have been observed in 55 children and one caregiver across 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi, and they have received medical care at six different clinics. According to the agency, the legal representatives of more than 50 children and staff members from the medical facilities have already been interviewed as part of the investigation.

"Based on current information, the intoxication may be linked to a bacterial infection, the source of which is likely food consumed at the kindergartens. The specific product that caused the intoxication will be identified through forensic analysis. The investigation is ongoing. Items, documents, and food products relevant to the case will be seized from all kindergartens where cases of intoxication were recorded," reads the statement.