Criminal case opened over mass poisoning of children in Fergana kindergartens

The incident occurred on 21 February at state kindergartens No. 2, No. 58 and No. 61 in Fergana. A total of 62 children were hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute diarrhea. Reportedly, the children experienced abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and nausea.

The regional Department of Internal Affairs stated that information about the incident was also received by its duty unit.

Criminal proceedings have been launched under Article 257-1 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan – violation of sanitary legislation or anti-epidemic rules.

According to the official statement, the situation is currently being examined jointly by the Fergana Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the Department of Internal Affairs and other relevant authorities. All necessary forensic examinations have been appointed and preliminary investigative actions are underway.

Earlier, Surayyo Rahmonova, the Authorized Person of the Oliy Majlis for Children’s Rights, said the situation had been taken under control. According to her, a regional representative of the Ombudsman’s Office arrived at the scene, and an analysis of documents and other materials is being conducted as part of a pre-investigation review.

Rahmonova noted that such incidents appear to have a systemic nature and stressed the need to establish strict quality control over children’s nutrition and to strengthen the accountability of suppliers.

“The position of the Authorized Person for Children’s Rights on this issue is that in order to prevent such cases in the system of mass catering for children, it is necessary to establish strict and separate quality control over compliance with food safety standards. This concerns the health of our children and, in essence, the health of the nation’s gene pool,” she said.

The Children’s Ombudsman also emphasized the need to tighten oversight of food quality in the public catering system for children and to increase responsibility for suppliers delivering substandard products, including the possibility of restricting their future activities.

The analytical materials have been forwarded to the relevant authorities, and further steps are expected following the conclusion of the inspection.