Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The manufacturer of "Khottabych" ice cream has been ordered to reimburse consumers 64 million soums for selling substandard products. The ruling was issued by the Committee for Competition.

In August 2024, regulatory authorities conducted a test purchase of "Khottabych" ice cream, produced by X Xasanboy va Xolod. Laboratory tests revealed serious violations of sanitary and epidemiological standards. Bacteria from the E. coli group were found in six out of seven samples.

Additionally, in five types of ice cream, the sucrose content was twice the declared amount, while in one sample, it was significantly lower than stated.

An inspection by the technical regulation authority confirmed that the composition of the ice cream did not meet current regulatory standards. Furthermore, the Committee for Competition raised concerns about misleading claims on the packaging, which stated that consuming the ice cream "promotes weight loss," "boosts immunity," and "reduces stress."

In October 2024, the regulator issued an order requiring X Xasanboy va Xolod to rectify the violations. However, the company attempted to challenge the decision in court.

Hearings were held in February 2025, where the Tashkent Interdistrict Administrative Court rejected the manufacturer's appeal, upholding the order in full.