Over the seven months of 2026, two cases of food poisoning linked to educational facilities were registered in Kazakhstan. In the same period the previous year, eight such cases were recorded.
HOW FOOD POISONING STATISTICS HAVE CHANGED
According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, over the seven months of 2025, eight cases of food poisoning linked to educational facilities were registered in the country. On those occasions, 118 children were affected.
Over the equivalent period in 2026, two cases have been registered, resulting in 13 children being affected. This means the number of registered cases has fallen fourfold.
HOW SAFEGUARDS FOR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN STRENGTHENED
Following group outbreaks of foodborne illness at educational facilities in the Mangystau Region, the authorities introduced additional measures to protect children's health.
In 2026, the Head of State signed a law introducing a special procedure for state control over facilities where children are present and which are funded from the state budget. The new mechanism has been in effect since 1 February 2026.
According to the Ministry of Health, the changes have made it possible to strengthen oversight of compliance with sanitary requirements and the identification of risks at facilities where children are present.
WHAT HAS CHANGED IN THE ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL MEALS
Since 1 September 2025, a new Nutrition Standard and a multi-option standard prospective menu have been in effect in educational institutions.
The documents have been developed in line with the principles of healthy and balanced nutrition for children. Particular attention is paid to food safety, storage conditions and preparation.
The Ministry of Health noted that even isolated cases of illness among children require investigation and the taking of necessary measures.
CONTEXT
Earlier, the FBRK reported on a case of mass food poisoning among children at the capital's school “Miras”. On 30 January 2026, eight pupils were admitted to hospital with an acute intestinal infection after lunch in the school canteen.
The catering was then provided by Noble Foods LLP, a company registered two months before the incident and sharing a common registered address with the school, which gave grounds to suggest it had been created specifically to serve “Miras”.