Health committee responds after worm found in cooked sausage in Tashkent (video)

A video widely circulated on social media showing a worm emerging from a cooked sausage purchased by a local resident in Tashkent has caused widespread public concern. The sausage in question was sold under the brand name “Sag'bon.”

In response to the video, the Tashkent City Department of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee issued an official statement. To clarify the situation, the Almazar District Department, in cooperation with the Business Ombudsman, carried out an enhanced inspection of the "Sag'bon" sausage production facility.

According to the results of the inspection, the enterprise was found to be operating in accordance with sanitary regulations regarding the storage and processing of meat and meat products. Imported meat used in the production of sausages had passed the necessary inspections, and finished products were kept in warehouses equipped with a full refrigeration system.

However, several violations were documented. An administrative report was issued against the enterprise’s management for failing to label some equipment according to its use, for not maintaining valid medical examination booklets for seven employees, and for the absence of a required stock of work uniforms for staff.

Despite these infractions, the committee stated:

“Since the enterprise follows established rules for food preparation and storage, no factors negatively affecting product quality were found. Therefore, we conclude that the issue shown in the video was caused by improper storage conditions in retail outlets, which led to product spoilage.”

The committee emphasized the importance of proper product handling and storage at the retail level.

It is worth noting that a similar incident occurred last month at the “Bahor” catering establishment in the Shorchi district of Surkhandarya, where worms were discovered in tandoor meat. Following that incident, samples were taken from food products and equipment for laboratory testing, and the establishment’s operations were temporarily suspended.