Investigation Service launches probe into reported intoxication cases at Tbilisi kindergartens

The Investigation Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance on Friday launched an investigation after receiving reports of children and a teacher showing signs of intoxication at kindergartens in Tbilisi.

According to the Service, the investigation has been opened under Part 2 of Article 198 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns the production and sale of products hazardous to human life or health that endanger human life or health.

“According to information available at this stage, 55 children and one teacher from 20 kindergartens in Tbilisi are experiencing signs of intoxication. They sought medical assistance at six medical facilities in Tbilisi”, the statement said.

As part of the ongoing investigation, the legal representatives of more than 50 children, along with employees of the medical facilities involved, have already been interviewed.

To establish the circumstances of the case in a timely manner, investigative and procedural measures, including searches, were carried out throughout the night at four kindergartens and three companies supplying food products to the facilities.

The investigative measures are being conducted in close cooperation with relevant units of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the National Food Agency under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture. Representatives of the National Food Agency are also participating in the searches.

According to information available at this stage, the cases of intoxication may be linked to a bacterial infection, the source of which is believed to be food consumed at the kindergartens. The specific product responsible will be identified through expert examination.

The investigation is ongoing. Items, documents and food products relevant to the case will be seized from all kindergartens where cases of intoxication have been reported.

The Investigation Service said the public would be provided with additional information on the progress and findings of the investigation as it becomes available.