On the air of Birinchi Radio, doctors Nazgul Abamuslimova from the Department of Disease Prevention and Umut Satybaldieva from the Bishkek City Sanitary and Epidemiological Center discussed how to protect oneself from food poisoning, especially in fast-food establishments.
Alarming Data
According to specialists, in 2025, the country registered 232 cases of food poisoning affecting 580 people. Among these incidents, there were 11 mass poisonings, 5 of which occurred in fast-food establishments.
One of the most resonant cases was the poisoning of 24 people on January 15 in Bishkek after consuming shawarma at the restaurant "Daamduu." This establishment is currently closed, and investigations into the circumstances of the incident are underway.
Fast Food: Increased Risks
Doctors note that fast food products are often prepared from ingredients with a high epidemiological risk.
The composition of such dishes may include meat, vegetables, greens, and sauces, which increases the chances of contamination if sanitary standards are not followed.
The most dangerous are sauces and fresh greens, which usually do not undergo thermal processing.
Responsibilities of Establishment Owners
Experts emphasized that owners and employees of food establishments must strictly adhere to sanitary requirements:
- ensure proper storage of products;
- must thoroughly heat-treat meat and semi-finished products;
- prevent cross-contamination — the transfer of bacteria through dirty hands, clothing, knives, and cutting boards.
There must also be access to clean running water for washing products, utensils, and employees' hands. Cooking should take place in enclosed spaces — the kitchen should be separated from the dining area by glass or transparent plastic, and the serving of finished dishes should be done through special windows.
Customers and waiters should not have access to the food preparation area. Important aspects include the personal hygiene of workers and their knowledge of cooking technologies.
Recommendations for Customers
To reduce the risk of food poisoning, doctors advise customers to:
- pay attention to the sanitary condition of the establishment;
- be cautious of suspiciously low prices and excessively large portions;
- avoid purchasing food in places lacking water, cleanliness, and order.
Moreover, such dishes often contain carcinogens and trans fats, especially regarding French fries and fried meat, which can lead to poisoning and long-term health issues.
