In the canteen of the Republican Physics and Mathematics School (RFMS) in Almaty, bacteria of the E. coli group were found in food samples and on dishes. In addition, four food service employees were found to be carriers of Staphylococcus aureus.
WHAT LABORATORY TESTS SHOWED
According to the Almaty Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control, laboratory tests revealed microbial contamination of certain ready-made dishes. Bacteria of the E. coli group were also found in food samples and swabs from dishes.
Of the 38 examined food service workers, four were found to be carriers of Staphylococcus aureus. They were temporarily suspended from work.
In addition, specialists established that the working solution of the disinfectant did not meet the established standards.
WHAT VIOLATIONS WERE FOUND IN THE CANTEEN
During the inspection, specialists identified violations in the storage of products and daily samples. The canteen also failed to comply with the menu, some necessary documentation was missing, and kitchen equipment was not labelled.
WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN
An administrative protocol was drawn up in respect of the RFMS. The inspection materials in respect of the company MasterFood, which organised the catering, were sent to the police.
In addition, a criminal case was opened over the incident under Part 1 of Article 304 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Violation of sanitary rules or hygiene standards").
CONTEXT
On 13 October, it became known that there had been a mass illness among students of the RFMS in Almaty. Initially, it was reported that 47 schoolchildren with symptoms of acute intestinal infection had been hospitalised.
After the cases of illness were identified, the work of the school, the boarding school and the canteen was temporarily suspended.
On 22 October, all 58 hospitalised students were discharged from hospital. The children received the necessary treatment.