Food poisoning from shawarma in Bishkek: the fast food outlet was fined and closed. What about the victims?

The Department of Disease Prevention and Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health of Kyrgyzstan has confirmed that 17 people, including four children, have become victims of mass food poisoning linked to shawarma purchased at the fast food outlet "Daamduu".

Of the affected individuals, 13 require hospitalization and are currently in a medical facility, while four are receiving outpatient care.

According to the agency, the first symptoms of poisoning appeared at different times on January 15, after which the victims sought medical assistance at the Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital. Doctors provided the necessary care and conducted tests for laboratory analysis.

Preliminary data indicates that all affected individuals consumed shawarma from "Daamduu" on the same day.

Specialists from the Bishkek State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance Center conducted an unscheduled inspection of the establishment, during which samples of ingredients, swabs from kitchen equipment, and remnants of finished products were collected for further analysis. Additionally, the café staff were tested for the presence of intestinal infection pathogens.

As a result of the inspection, three protocols for violations were drawn up, and the establishment was fined 41,000 soms, as stated in the official report.

A sanitary order to close the fast food outlet was issued to its manager, and the establishment was sealed as of January 15, 2026.

The investigation is ongoing, and the agency promises to provide updates as laboratory results become available.

Warnings for the Public

Medical workers emphasized that shawarma and similar fast food dishes can pose an increased epidemiological risk, especially in cases of violations of cooking technology, storage conditions, or insufficient personal hygiene of workers.

The department reminded entrepreneurs in the food service sector of their responsibility for product safety and urged strict compliance with sanitary norms and regulations, as well as ensuring control over the production process. Only those employees who have undergone medical examinations may work.

Consumers are advised to purchase food only from licensed establishments, paying attention to sanitary conditions, and to seek help immediately at the first signs of food poisoning.

Prevention of food poisoning is much more effective than treatment. Adherence to sanitary norms by fast food establishments and responsible consumer choices are key factors in preventing mass poisonings.

Food poisoning is an acute illness caused by consuming food containing pathogenic microorganisms or toxins.

Recommendations for Preventing Food PoisoningFor fast food establishments (shawarma, burgers, hot dogs, etc.):

• strict adherence to sanitary norms and technological instructions;
• availability and implementation of production control programs;
• allowing employees to work only after passing medical examinations;
• prohibiting individuals with symptoms of infectious diseases from working;
• regular training of staff on sanitation and hygiene;
• using quality and safe raw materials with supporting documents;
• separate storage of raw materials and finished dishes;
• adherence to temperature regimes;
• sufficient thermal processing of meat;
• regular cleaning and disinfection of premises and equipment;
• separation of inventory for raw materials and finished products;
• ensuring uninterrupted water supply and conditions for handwashing;
• personal responsibility of the owner for product safety.

For consumers:

• prefer establishments with a clean appearance;
• avoid purchasing food in questionable places;
• always wash hands before eating, especially outside the home;
• do not recommend fast food to children, pregnant women, and the elderly;
• seek medical help immediately at the first signs of food poisoning.

The image on the main page is illustrative: Sergey Bulkin / NEWS.ru / TASS.