Kazakhstan's toxic treats: How unsafe foods and energy drinks endanger children

Health experts in Kazakhstan have raised alarms over the safety of store-bought foods and drinks, particularly those targeted at children. A recent surge in mass poisonings and widespread consumption of energy drinks among teenagers has sparked calls for stricter oversight and better nutritional education.

In 2024, Kazakhstan recorded 24 cases of mass child poisonings tied to candies and energy drinks. Despite a ban on selling these drinks to anyone under 21, nearly 70% of teenagers still consume them at least once a month. Many of these products, often sold near schools, contain unclear chemical compositions that could be harmful.

The issue extends beyond energy drinks. Children frequently buy processed foods with questionable ingredients, displayed at eye level in local shops. Kazakhstan's moratorium on inspecting small businesses has left many of these stores unchecked, despite concerns about food safety. The state's monitoring system relies on test purchases and data analysis, yet 12.4% of food samples still fail to meet regulatory standards. Meanwhile, over 60% of chronic non-communicable diseases in the country are linked to poor diet, pushing authorities to take action. In response, the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition has introduced new school meal standards, set to begin on September 1, 2025. These rules will prioritise plant-based foods and limit sugar intake. The academy is also developing digital tools, including the *NutriSteppe* chatbot and the *Balaman AI* meal planner, to teach children about healthy eating. Experts at a recent meeting stressed the need for ongoing monitoring and greater parental involvement to tackle unhealthy eating habits among young people.

The new school meal standards and digital tools aim to improve children's diets and reduce health risks. However, without stricter enforcement on sales to minors and better oversight of small shops, concerns over food safety and child poisonings may persist. The focus now shifts to implementation and whether these measures will bring lasting change.