Staphylococcus and E. coli found in FIZMAT after mass poisoning of children
Tengrinews.kz — Officials from the Almaty Department of Sanitary and Epidemiological Control (DSEC) have uncovered numerous violations at the National School of Physics and Mathematics (FIZMAT) cafeteria following a mass food poisoning incident. The boarding school's catering facilities have been suspended for 60 days.
What the investigation revealed
According to the department, between October 12 and 15, investigators collected seven samples of prepared meals, two samples of finished products, three samples of raw ingredients, 30 surface and dish swabs, five water samples, and two disinfectant samples for laboratory analysis.
"The results showed microbial contamination in certain prepared dishes, coliform bacteria in food samples and dish swabs, and a disinfectant solution that failed to meet regulatory requirements," the department stated.
The investigation also included screening 38 cafeteria workers for Staphylococcus and intestinal pathogens. Test results identified Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 10³ in four employees.
Note: Carrying Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 10³ indicates that the bacteria is present on the mucous membranes or skin in a small (low) amount.
"Temporary suspension measures have been taken against these individuals based on relevant orders from the Chief State Sanitary Doctor," the agency clarified.
Department specialists also inspected the catering unit, which is leased from the boarding school by a private limited company (LLP), as well as the FIZMAT school premises themselves. The inspection of the cafeteria revealed violations of sanitary standards, including issues with meal organization, record-keeping, food storage, and the labeling of kitchen equipment. Additionally, inspectors found a lack of necessary equipment and missing documentation verifying the quality and safety of products.
"The cafeteria was found to be in violation of sanitary requirements: inconsistent menus, improper storage of food and daily control samples, and a lack of required documentation and equipment labeling. Deficiencies were also identified in the medical supervision of students," the department reported.
Furthermore, discrepancies were found between the actual menu and accounting records, and the school lacked a long-term prospective menu.
Beshbarmak and chicken roll?
The department noted that the sources of infection, as well as the mechanism and routes of transmission, have now been established.
"Surveys established that all those who fell ill had eaten at the boarding school cafeteria during the incubation period. The majority of respondents linked their illness to the consumption of chicken roll and beshbarmak," the DSEC stated.
Cafeteria operations suspended for 60 days
Following the investigation, specialists filed two administrative offense protocols:
A protocol was filed against FIZMAT under Part 1 of Article 425 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Another protocol was filed against the private company (LLP) for offenses under Part 2 of Article 425 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Note: Article 425 of the Code of Administrative Offenses refers to "Violation of legislative requirements in the field of sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population, as well as hygienic standards."
Additionally, per orders dated October 13, the operations of the FIZMAT cafeteria, leased by the LLP to prepare food for students, have been suspended for 60 days.
"The resumption of the FIZMAT catering unit will be possible only after all identified violations of sanitary and epidemiological requirements are rectified, and this is confirmed by the authorized body through a legally mandated unscheduled inspection," the agency stated.
When deciding whether to allow operations to resume, specialists will inspect the sanitary condition of the premises and equipment, food storage and preparation conditions, and compliance with nutritional organization requirements.
Criminal case
According to the DSEC, police have opened a criminal case regarding the mass illness of FIZMAT students under Part 1 of Article 304 of the Criminal Code, "Violation of sanitary rules or hygienic standards resulting in mass illness or poisoning through negligence".
The agency emphasized that the investigation into the mass illness at FIZMAT is ongoing. Despite the outbreak being localized and the suspected transmission factors identified, procedural measures regarding the case have not yet been concluded.
What happened at FIZMAT Almaty
As a reminder, it was reported on October 14 that nearly 50 RFMS students in Almaty were hospitalized with signs of acute intestinal infection.
Following the incident, the school temporarily moved classes to an online format. Operations at the boarding school and its cafeteria were suspended while sanitary and epidemiological service specialists inspected the buildings and took samples for laboratory testing.
It was also revealed that Almaty police have opened a criminal investigation into the mass poisoning of students at RFMSH.
On October 22, all students hospitalized with symptoms of acute intestinal infection were discharged from the hospital. A total of 58 children required medical assistance.