Thousands fined and hundreds dismissed over kindergarten food safety breaches

The inspections focused in particular on compliance with food standards for children. As a result, more than 9,486 kilograms of substandard food products were rejected.

The checks also revealed:

– out of 8,122 samples of prepared food, 323 did not meet microbiological standards;

– out of 4,461 samples of drinking water, 237 failed to meet requirements;

– out of 4,986 samples testing the nutritional value of food, 878 showed low levels;

– out of 12,301 vegetable samples, 257 contained nitrate residues;

– out of 2,321 salt samples, 718 had insufficient iodine content.

In addition, 4,110 of 83,231 samples taken for chemical analysis did not meet established standards. Of 88,203 samples taken for bacteriological analysis, 9,027 failed to comply with sanitary requirements.

During 23,425 air temperature measurements in classrooms, 1,658 cases were found below the required level. Out of 43,665 light level measurements, 2,559 indicated insufficient lighting.

As a result of violations of sanitary norms in kindergartens, 3,705 responsible officials were fined. The activities of 110 institutions were temporarily suspended. A total of 446 employees were removed from their jobs due to overdue medical examinations.