National Food Agency Halts Production at Nikora Trade Amid Salmonella Outbreak

The National Food Agency has temporarily suspended the production of ready-made meals at Nikora Trade, following confirmed cases of salmonella poisoning.

The agency's decision comes in the wake of reports from both the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health and Tbilisi's Municipal Center for Epidemic Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases. These reports documented eight instances of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of "Chicken Kiev" sold at Nikora Trade grocery stores.

Upon receiving the alerts, designated officials from the Tbilisi City Service of the National Food Agency conducted comprehensive inspections at several Nikora Trade outlets. These included locations on Aghmashenebeli Avenue, Khomleli Street, and near the airport, as well as the central production facility for ready-made meals. Both retail and production sites were found to be part of the supply chain for the contaminated "Chicken Kiev."

Lab tests on food samples confirmed the presence of salmonella bacteria. Consequently, the production activities at Nikora Trade's ready-made meals facility were halted until all critical safety issues are resolved. Fines were imposed, and contaminated products—including 20 kg of chicken fillets, 100 kg of assorted foods, and 22 kg of "Chicken Kiev"—were confiscated and disposed of in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

To further enhance traceability and prevent future outbreaks, the National Food Agency will extend its oversight to the companies supplying raw materials to Nikora Trade, according to an official statement from the agency.