The National Food Agency (NFA) has released the final results of monitoring conducted in kindergartens.

The results are now available for all 694 samples—comprising various food products of both animal and non-animal origin—that were collected for laboratory analysis. All samples comply with established food safety standards.

"Following reports of gastroenteritis cases caused by norovirus among children in Tbilisi kindergartens, the National Food Agency immediately launched a comprehensive investigation.

The Agency’s inspection teams examined the catering facilities within the kindergartens, as well as the production sites for meat and dairy products. As part of the monitoring process, various food items collected from the kindergartens underwent laboratory testing. These included fruits and vegetables; dairy products (cheese, powdered milk, ultra-pasteurized drinking milk, butter, and sour cream); meat and meat products (beef and chicken); grains; prepared meals; and drinking water. The analysis covered parameters such as heavy metals, nitrates, microbiological indicators, and pathogens (including aerobic microorganisms, coliforms, *Salmonella*, *Shigella*, and coagulase-positive *Staphylococcus*)," the statement reads.

For reference, on September 18, children attending public kindergartens were admitted to hospitals, reportedly showing signs of intoxication. According to the National Center for Disease Control, laboratory test results indicate that the vast majority of gastroenteritis cases in the kindergartens were, in all likelihood, caused by the "norovirus." The Center further noted that this pathogen is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide.