E. coli found in food of Mykolaiv schoolchildren

In Mykolaiv, law enforcement agencies documented the facts of improper organization of food in educational institutions. The revealed violations of sanitary standards posed a direct threat to the life and health of the pupils.

This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General.

This was based on the results of a pre-trial investigation, during which law enforcement officers conducted searches and seized documentation along with food samples on December 12. Laboratory tests conducted by the Main Department of the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in Mykolaiv region confirmed numerous violations of sanitary and safety requirements. In particular, E. coli bacteria were found in the food, which posed a real threat to the health of schoolchildren.

Due to the established facts of neglect of children's safety, Mykolaiv City Council terminated the contract for catering services, which was concluded with the contractor earlier this month, on December 15. Currently, the director of the limited liability company is charged not only with violating sanitary rules and regulations preventing infectious diseases, but also with an unfinished attempt to seize budget funds in particularly large amounts during martial law.

At the same time, the actions of the head of the utility company are qualified as a completed attempt to embezzle property by abuse of office. The issue of choosing a measure of restraint for both suspects is currently being decided, and the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier, a new menu developed for Mykolaiv schools was introduced in six educational institutions following complaints from parents and students. In all other schools in the city, the new menu was introduced on November 3.

The technologist said that the new dishes were developed within the standards specified in the Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 305, but with the mandatory consideration of the proposals of the parent committee. The main request was to simplify the menu: "Make the menu simpler - not so that it says 'mackenzie' or 'scramble', but something simpler," she quoted the parents' wishes.

Катерина Глушко