GYUMRI, Armenia, March 25 – A public catering facility located at Abovyan 246/4 in Gyumri has had its operations suspended by the Shirak regional center of the Food Safety Inspectorate Body of Armenia (SATM). The decision came after an inspection revealed numerous violations of established sanitary and hygienic norms.
Key Violations Identified During Inspection
The inspection, conducted by SATM officials, uncovered several critical deficiencies within the food establishment. These violations directly contravene the legal acts governing public catering facilities and pose potential health risks to consumers. The primary issues identified include:
- Lack of Proper Ventilation: The facility was found to be operating without an artificial ventilation system, which is crucial for maintaining air quality and preventing the accumulation of airborne contaminants in a food preparation environment.
- Damaged and Non-Compliant Walls: Certain sections of the walls lacked a smooth surface and were not maintained in a state of good repair. Furthermore, the materials used for the walls were not waterproof, washable, or disinfectable, making proper sanitation difficult.
- Unmaintained Ceilings: The ceiling was not kept in a state of good repair, which increases the risk of dirt accumulation and the shedding of particles onto food preparation areas.
- Non-Hygienic Work Surfaces: The surfaces of the work tables were not easily cleanable or disinfectable, presenting a significant challenge for maintaining a sterile environment for food handling.
These findings highlight a systemic failure to adhere to basic food safety standards, which are essential for protecting public health.
Suspension of Operations and Remedial Actions
Following the identification of these violations, the production activities of the public catering facility have been immediately suspended. A specific timeframe has been set for the individual entrepreneur, Gevorg Ter-Petrosyan, to rectify all identified shortcomings. The facility will remain closed until all necessary repairs and improvements are made to bring it into compliance with national sanitary and hygienic regulations.
The Food Safety Inspectorate Body emphasizes that such measures are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. They serve as a reminder to all food service operators of their responsibility to maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of regulatory bodies in Armenia to enforce food safety standards and protect consumers from potential health hazards associated with non-compliant food establishments.
Source: https://armlur.am/1550078/
