In most cases, they lack a modern system for the safe production and storage of food products
A recent case of mass poisoning from shawarma at a private school in Bishkek highlights existing issues in the catering system. This incident was commented on by international nutrition expert Daniyar Derkembaev in a conversation with Vesti.kg.
“The situation is sad, especially considering that both children and adults were affected due to gross violations of sanitary norms and hygiene rules. Food poisoning poses a serious danger that can even lead to fatal outcomes. This problem affects not only school meals but also many other catering establishments and the food industry. The lack of strict control over sanitary norms, non-compliance with storage, transportation, and sales rules for finished products, as well as the absence of modern systems for the safe production of food, all indicate that we are still operating under outdated standards from the last century,” noted Daniyar Derkembaev.
He also reminded that Kyrgyzstan, having joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in August 2015, became part of the implementation of the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU) 021/2011 “On Food Safety.” This regulation establishes uniform and mandatory requirements for the safety of food products and related processes, including production, storage, transportation, sale, and disposal within the EAEU.
The main principles of this regulation are based on the international HACCP standard (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).
“The HACCP system was developed in 1960 to ensure maximum food safety for astronauts as part of the NASA program. Later, due to its effectiveness, it was adapted and implemented worldwide in food industry and catering enterprises as a reliable tool for ensuring food safety,” he added.
As a specialist in food safety management systems (FSMS), I have repeatedly called for the accelerated implementation of this regulation in Kyrgyzstan, especially in children's institutions. Unfortunately, my efforts have not been heard,” he reported.
The expert is convinced that to enhance food safety and prevent poisonings, it is urgent to implement modern international food safety standards in the country.
“Only in this way can order be established in the catering system. It is a complex process, but those who move forward will surely achieve their goals,” emphasizes the specialist.
According to the capital's Center for State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance, as a result of the poisoning at the private school "Seitek STEM," 84 people were affected. Of these, 79 sought medical assistance at the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, while 5 went to private medical institutions. 13 victims were hospitalized, and the others received outpatient care.
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