90 Children Poisoned in Uzbekistan in 8-Month Period
Group Poisonings Leave 414 Injured and 3 Dead in Uzbekistan
The Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee has released disturbing data on the number of citizens affected by group poisonings in Uzbekistan. Over the past eight months, the republic has witnessed 39 cases of group poisonings, resulting in 414 injuries and tragically claiming the lives of three individuals. Out of the total number of victims, 86 are children, according to a press release from the committee.
The report indicates that a staggering 53.8% of the poisoning cases were caused by botulism, while 2.5% were linked to a kindergarten, 23% to food poisoning, and 2.5% to chemical poisoning. Specifically, 21 cases of botulism were a result of consuming homemade canned foods. Out of these cases, three occurred in Jizzakh, six in Samarkand, and six in Fergana regions.
Further analysis of these cases revealed some alarming findings. It was discovered that kitchens in public catering establishments and non-state educational institutions do not meet the necessary sanitary standards. Additionally, the kitchens were found to be lacking proper equipment for food preparation, and the existing equipment was either outdated or in poor condition. Furthermore, the victims consumed products that did not guarantee quality and safety. Another significant concern was that most cooks working at these establishments did not have specialized education and were unaware of proper food preparation techniques, as well as the rules regarding storing and transporting food.
These findings highlight the urgent need for corrective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens. The Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee has called for the government to take immediate action to address these issues. This includes enforcing stricter sanitary standards in catering establishments and educational institutions, providing updated and reliable equipment for food preparation, ensuring the quality and safety of food products, and promoting the importance of specialized education and training for cooks in the industry.
It is crucial that the government works swiftly to implement these measures and prevent further incidents of group poisonings. The health and safety of the citizens should be the highest priority, and it is essential to create a robust system that safeguards their well-being. By taking decisive action, Uzbekistan can ensure a healthier and safer environment for its population.
