Government to introduce transparent catering and outsourcing rules for kindergartens

The initiative follows growing public concern regarding food poisoning incidents in state educational institutions. During the press conference, journalists questioned what measures are being taken to prevent such cases. In response, Komilov explained that while a 2021 Cabinet of Ministers resolution introduced outsourcing in some kindergartens, the majority of the system had remained traditional. Previously, menus and catering costs were often based on average prices recommended by local administrations without standardized seasonal considerations.

Significant changes were introduced via a new decree in 2025, which established a fixed average feeding cost per child across all regions and approved unified, seasonal model menus. These menus were developed in coordination with the sanitary-epidemiological and healthcare authorities.

However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged that recent incidents have exposed persistent flaws in the system. He specifically mentioned the mass poisoning cases in the Tashkent region and shortcomings in the catering system implemented in the Fergana region. In Fergana, five districts currently utilize a catering model across 239 state kindergartens, a system that is now under intense scrutiny.

"Currently, a comprehensive study of the outsourcing and catering food systems is being conducted," Komilov stated. "Experts from several ministries, agencies, and the Chamber of Accounts are involved. The study focuses not only on analyzing identified deficiencies but also on developing new approaches based on international experience."

The official noted that previous interim measures, such as improving the activities of rejection commissions and increasing the qualifications of nurses, were insufficient to fully guarantee food quality. The upcoming draft law aims to radically revise the formation of menus, the delivery process, and the selection and monitoring of service providers.

The new document is intended to make the outsourcing system more transparent and ensure the targeted and efficient use of state funds, including any budget allocations. The priority remains the provision of healthy and high-quality food to children. Once the draft is finalized and coordinated with relevant ministries and the Presidential Administration, it will be presented for public discussion.

The urgency of these reforms is stressed by previous health crises. Earlier reports indicated that children from kindergartens No. 2, 58, and 61 in Fergana were hospitalized with acute diarrhea. Furthermore, in September 2025, over 1,000 pupils from state kindergartens in the Buka, Pskent, Bekabad, Akkurgan, and Kuyichirchik districts of the Tashkent region were hospitalized with symptoms of food poisoning.