The game is over! Are unknown persons distributing candy to students?  

Reports have surfaced on social media claiming that unidentified individuals are distributing candy of unknown composition to schoolchildren. The Children's Ombudsman has addressed the situation.  

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a 3rd-grade student at a secondary school in the Oltinkul district of the Andijan region, identified as H.M., purchased three pieces of Strawberry candy for 1,000 sums from a local shop. When his classmate O.A. inquired about the source of the candy, H.M. falsely claimed that a stranger had given it to him.  

Based on the child’s statement, the school nurse, also identified as O.A., shared unverified information on social media, alleging that suspicious candy had been distributed to students near the school. Additionally, the claim that a child had died after consuming the candy has been confirmed as entirely false.  

Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into the matter, and a forensic chemical analysis has been ordered to determine whether the candy contains any harmful substances.  

The Andijan Regional Department of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee has also issued a statement on the matter. According to the department, neither it nor the district branches have received any complaints regarding the sale of such candy near schools. Ongoing inspections in local shops and retail outlets have so far found no evidence of the candy being sold in the area.  

“We urge parents to carefully check product packaging, manufacturing dates, producer details, and ingredient lists before purchasing any items. It is also essential to educate children on making informed choices about their food. The Sanitary and Epidemiological Committee is conducting continuous inspections. Additionally, we remind the public that spreading false information is punishable by law under the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan,” the statement said.  

The Children's Ombudsman continues to monitor the situation, and further updates will be provided as new information emerges.