Case of Food-Borne Botulism Reported in Shida Kartli; Violations Found at Ham Production Facility
On May 20, the National Food Agency received a notification from the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health regarding a confirmed case of food-borne botulism in Shida Kartli.
Immediately after receiving the information, inspectors from the Agency’s Shida Kartli Regional Department launched an investigation. An unscheduled inspection was conducted at the store “Akhali Khorsi”, located on April 9 Street in Kareli, where the affected individual had purchased smoked ham.
Although no critical non-conformities were found at the meat sales facility (operated by “Besik Nakishashvili”), the business was fined for selling expired food.
State control measures were also applied to the smoked ham producer (“Vakhtang Lomidze”, address: No. 54 Imereti Street, Khashuri). Multiple violations were identified, including critical non-conformities. As a result, the operator was fined and production was suspended. It was established that the business was operating without registration or recognition in the Register of Economic Activities, traceability requirements were breached, and the HACCP food safety system was not in place.
The National Food Agency urges the public to avoid consuming meat, fish, or canned foods prepared or smoked in suspicious or unregulated conditions.
Botulism is a serious toxico-infectious disease with a potentially severe course. To prevent botulism, it is essential to strictly adhere to sanitary and technological standards when preserving food products.
