In Uzbekistan, 14 cases of food poisoning were recorded from January to May 2025. In these incidents, 42 people were affected. This was announced during a press conference at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications.
According to the information, the majority of poisoning cases were due to home-canned foods. Specifically, botulism was identified in 10 cases, with children making up 8 of those affected.
Additionally, three instances of food “toxico-infection” were reported. As a result, 13 people required medical attention. Among them, there were also 8 children. In one case, chemical poisoning was observed.
The figures presented indicate serious problems in food safety. For instance, in 2024, out of 20,184 general food service establishments inspected across the country, 7.5% were found to have violations. Among them, 3.3% egregiously violated sanitation and hygiene standards.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 600 million people fall ill worldwide each year due to low-quality food. This is not just a number—it's a warning sign.
As a reminder, in the first quarter of 2024, 18 cases of food poisoning were recorded in Uzbekistan, affecting 143 people.
Authorities emphasize the importance of precautions, especially with consuming home-prepared products. Otherwise, simple meals can lead to severe consequences.