The Association of Catering Enterprises "Association of Food Suppliers" has contacted government institutions and the media with a statement about possible violations in the competition for organizing school meals in educational institutions in Riga. According to the authors of the appeal, the procurement is being delayed due to repeated changes in the competition documentation that restrict competition, and its consequences are being paid for by the city and the parents of schoolchildren, writes the portal [NRA](https://nra.lv/neatkariga/izpete/527902-vai-rigas-skolenu-pusdienas-klus-dargakas-korupcijas-del.htm). Industry representatives claim that there is a high likelihood that the competition will not be completed before the start of the new school year. In that case, the current suppliers will continue to provide services, and the meals will remain at a higher price, as it will not be possible to conclude new, more favorable contracts in time. The difference, as is currently the case, will have to be compensated by the municipality and parents. The authors of the appeal preferred not to disclose their names. They state that they fear possible pressure from the largest market participants and also assert that there have been signs of restricted competition and possible market division among several large companies in the school meal procurement sector for a long time. The letter also states that the competition for 2026 was accompanied by constant changes in conditions. According to the association, key evaluation criteria for proposals changed five times, and on two occasions, the Procurement Monitoring Bureau (IUB) recognized certain requirements as illegal and contrary to the Public Procurement Law. One of the most controversial points became the criterion related to the supply of rye bread. According to the authors of the letter, shortly before the announcement of the competition, one of the producers received a certificate from the national quality scheme specifically for this type of bread, after which this product unexpectedly became one of the criteria for evaluating applications. Later, after criticism, this point was excluded, but disputes over other conditions continued. According to the association, repeated deadline extensions, changes in criteria, and delays in the procedure create the impression that the competition is being conducted in the interests of certain market participants. As a result, the authors of the appeal believe that taxpayers and parents of schoolchildren are primarily losing out, as they have to pay more for meals than they would have if a competitive procurement had been conducted in a timely manner. The information presented in the letter has already been sent to several government institutions. The Competition Council confirmed that it is analyzing the facts presented and assessing whether they fall within the agency's jurisdiction. At the same time, the council reminded that the legality of procurement conditions is examined by the Procurement Monitoring Bureau. The Bureau for Prevention and Combating Corruption (KNAB) also reported receiving the appeal. "On July 31, the Bureau for Prevention and Combating Corruption received a statement from the Latvian Association of Food Suppliers. Currently, KNAB is assessing the information presented within its competence," the agency reported. The Riga municipality also confirmed receipt of the letter. They emphasize that the goal of the competition is to provide students with quality meals for the next five years. The city hall hopes to organize meals in 27 educational institutions starting from September 1, but acknowledges that the procurement procedure is ongoing, and three participants have again challenged its conditions. Currently, the deadline for submitting proposals is set for August 25, but it may still change depending on the review of complaints. Until a decision is made by the Procurement Monitoring Bureau, the municipality refuses to comment in detail on the further course of the competition. While the competition remains unfinished, uncertainty persists not only for suppliers but also for thousands of Riga schoolchildren and their parents, who may again have to pay for meals at the current, higher rates at the beginning of the school year.
