On January 15, 2026, a mass poisoning occurred at the fast food restaurant "Daamduu" in Bishkek, affecting 17 people, including 4 children. The information was provided by the Department of Disease Prevention and Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan.
According to the department, 13 victims were hospitalized and are under medical supervision, while 4 people are receiving outpatient care.
The first symptoms of poisoning manifested in individuals at different times on January 15, after which they sought medical assistance at the Republican Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital. All victims received necessary aid, and samples were taken for laboratory testing.
Preliminary data indicates that all affected individuals consumed shawarma purchased at this fast food establishment on the same day.
Specialists from the Bishkek State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Center conducted an unscheduled inspection of the establishment. During the inspection, samples of ingredients, swabs from equipment, and remnants of finished products were collected for laboratory analysis. A sudden examination of employees for intestinal infection pathogens was also conducted.
As a result of identified violations, three protocols on offenses were drawn up, and fines were imposed under articles 80, 214 part 1, and 214 part 5 of the KR Code "On Offenses" totaling 41,000 soms.
The head of the establishment was issued a sanitary order to close the fast food restaurant from January 15, 2026, and the premises were sealed.
The epidemiological investigation is ongoing, and additional information will be provided as laboratory analysis results are received.
The department also reminded that fast food products, such as shawarma, can pose an increased epidemiological risk, especially when there are violations in cooking technology and storage conditions, as well as insufficient personal hygiene of the staff.
Entrepreneurs in the food service sector are advised to ensure food safety and strictly adhere to sanitary norms, as well as to allow only those employees who have undergone medical examinations to work.
Citizens are advised to purchase food only from licensed establishments, monitor their sanitary conditions, and immediately seek medical assistance if symptoms of food poisoning appear.
