A mass poisoning of children occurred in kindergartens in Fergana Region. The food supplier was LLC "Garden Catering Trade", selected in violation of public procurement laws. A warning from the Anti-Corruption Agency was ignored.
On July 25, 2024, Fergana Region Hokim Khayrullo Bozorov decided to implement a catering system in kindergartens in Quvasoy city. "Garden Catering Trade" presented proposals for preparing and delivering ready-made meals. The company had been operating for just over a month at the time of the decision.
On July 30, the regional hokimiyat announced the launch of a ready-made food delivery system in test mode. From August 1, "Garden Catering Trade" obtained the right to supply products to kindergartens for five months without a tender.
In July 2024, the Anti-Corruption Agency identified violations in organizing meals at state preschool institutions in Fergana Region. By the hokim's decision on July 25, "Garden Catering" was directly appointed as the food supplier for preschools in Quvasoy and Fergana. According to the agency, this decision violated the Law "On Public Procurement" and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 626 of July 25, 2019.
Under Resolution No. 626, an outsourcing company must have at least one year of experience in the catering sector. However, "Garden Catering Trade" was registered on June 21, 2024, and did not meet the established requirements at the time of contract signing.
The agency submitted a warning to the hokimiyat demanding the elimination of violations, competitive selection of a supplier, and disciplinary actions against responsible officials. However, no practical measures were taken. Preliminary investigation materials indicate that the products causing the poisoning were supplied by this company.
On February 20, 62 children from state kindergartens No. 2, 58, and 61 in Fergana were hospitalized with a diagnosis of "acute diarrhea." A criminal case has been initiated under Article 257¹ of the Criminal Code (violation of sanitary legislation).
Source: kun.uz