System failure: Why food safety breaches keep endangering children in Uzbekistan’s kindergartens

Following recent incidents in several districts of Tashkent region, a new wave of food poisoning among children has been reported in kindergartens in Fergana. Investigations revealed that the food supply company involved was selected by a regional governor’s decree without a competitive tender process. Company officials are now facing criminal charges for violating sanitary requirements.

In a recent interview in the Kun.uz studio, medical expert Muazzam Ibrohimova and gastroenterologist Zilola Hojieva discussed whether these recurring cases indicate a lack of transparency and systemic failures in the preschool catering sector.

A project turned into a private business

Muazzam Ibrohimova, one of the original authors of the catering project intended for these kindergartens, expressed deep shock over the poisonings. She claimed that the initiative, originally designed with high safety standards, was co-opted for the benefit of a narrow circle of interests.

Ibrohimova specifically pointed to the Mayor of Kuvasoy, Zafarjon Turaqulov, alleging that after reviewing the project, he took control of it and transformed it into a profit-driven "business" at the expense of safety.

"I have reached out to local authorities in tears, published analytical articles, and even appealed to the president, but no one responded," Ibrohimova said. She noted that the original plan included 28 separate specialized refrigeration chambers and an automated laboratory to filter out spoiled products – features that were reportedly scrapped. "We designed an open system where parents and even the government could monitor the kitchen via a server. Not a single one of these safety measures was implemented."

Systemic negligence and safety protocols

Gastroenterologist Zilola Hojieva emphasized that food poisoning in educational institutions is a significant "shame" for a developing nation. She attributed the crisis to a complete breakdown in the supply chain, from poor quality control of raw materials to improper transportation.

"The fault lies in the indifference of the officials responsible for quality control," Hojieva noted. "A small employee cannot decide everything; this is a failure of a large, integrated system. This includes production safety, delivery protocols, and a weak assessment of health risks by both the company and, partially, the healthcare system."

Hojieva explained that children aged 3–7 are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. She highlighted several critical risk factors:

• Biological contamination: Bacteria and viruses resulting from improper storage.
• Chemical risks: Exposure to pesticides or detergents.
• Cross-contamination: Transporting raw meat alongside ready-to-eat products like apples.

The need for transparency

The experts concluded that until the system is "cleaned from its roots" and specialists are allowed to manage the technical aspects without political interference, such incidents will likely continue. The lack of a transparent, digital tracking system that allows parents to verify the quality of food remains a primary concern for the safety of Uzbekistan's youth.