On the air of Birinchi Radio, doctors from the Department of Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance, Nazgul Abamuslimova and Umut Satybaldieva from the Bishkek City Sanitary and Epidemiological Center, discussed how to protect oneself from food poisoning, especially when consuming fast food.
Worrying Numbers
According to experts, in Kyrgyzstan in 2025, there were 232 recorded cases of poisoning, affecting 580 people. Of these, 11 cases were mass poisonings, where the number of affected individuals exceeded 5, and 5 of these cases occurred in fast food establishments.
One of the high-profile incidents was the poisoning of 24 people in Bishkek on January 15 after consuming shawarma at the "Daamduu" chain. The establishment is currently closed, and an investigation into the circumstances of this incident is underway.
Fast Food and Its Risks
Doctors noted that fast food dishes typically contain ingredients that pose a high epidemiological risk.
The composition of such dishes includes meat, vegetables, greens, and sauces, which significantly increases the likelihood of infections if sanitary standards are not followed.
The greatest danger comes from sauces and fresh greens, which are often not subjected to heat treatment.
Responsibilities of Establishment Owners
Experts reminded that owners and staff of public catering establishments must strictly adhere to sanitary standards:
- proper storage of products;
- sufficient heat treatment of meat and semi-finished products;
- prevention of cross-contamination, which can occur due to dirty hands, clothing, knives, and cutting boards.
There must be clean running water available, as well as facilities for washing products and staff hands. Food should not be prepared in an open manner, and the food preparation area should be protected by glass or transparent plastic, with finished dishes passed through a special window.
Clients and waitstaff should not have access to the food preparation area. The personal hygiene of workers and their knowledge of cooking technologies are also of great importance.
Recommendations for Consumers
To prevent food poisoning, doctors advise consumers to:
- pay attention to the overall sanitary condition of the establishment;
- be cautious of prices that are too low and large portions;
- not to be tempted by food in places where cleanliness and order are lacking.
These dishes are often saturated with carcinogens and trans fats, especially fried potatoes and fried meat, which can lead not only to poisoning but also to long-term health consequences.
