Yerevan, July 1 – The production of “Panir Lori” cheese under the “Gandzak Kat” brand has been suspended by the Food Safety Inspectorate of Armenia (FSI). This measure was taken after an inspection at the dairy farm owned by individual entrepreneur Ashot Harutyunyan, located in Gandzak, Gegharkunik Province, revealed serious violations of food safety and hygiene regulations.
Dangerous Food Product Identified
According to the FSI, the inspection uncovered that the production process resulted in a hazardous food product that did not comply with the safety and hygiene requirements stipulated by legal acts in the field of food safety. Specifically, a sample of the “Panir Lori” cheese was found to contain “coliform bacteria” (E. coli group), failing to meet the standards set by the Customs Union Technical Regulations “On the Safety of Milk and Dairy Products.”
Immediate Suspension and Corrective Actions
Following these findings, the head of the Inspectorate issued a decision to suspend a specific production function of the dairy farm, namely the production of “Panir Lori” cheese. A deadline has been set for the company to rectify the identified violations. The FSI emphasized that such measures are crucial to ensure public health and uphold food safety standards across the country.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts of the Food Safety Inspectorate to monitor and enforce strict adherence to food safety regulations within Armenia’s food industry. The FSI continues to conduct regular inspections to prevent the distribution of unsafe food products to consumers.
Context of Food Safety in Armenia
The suspension of “Gandzak Kat’s” cheese production is part of a broader trend of increased oversight by Armenian authorities regarding food safety. Recent news from the FSI indicates a proactive approach to ensure that food products available in the market meet established national and international standards. This commitment extends to all stages of food production, from raw material sourcing to processing and distribution.
Consumer Protection and Industry Compliance
The FSI’s actions serve as a reminder to all food producers of their responsibility to comply with stringent safety and hygiene protocols. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding food product quality or safety to the relevant authorities. The aim is to foster a culture of compliance within the industry and enhance consumer confidence in the safety of food products.
The “Gandzak Kat” case demonstrates the Inspectorate’s zero-tolerance policy for violations that could endanger public health. The company is expected to implement all necessary corrective measures within the given timeframe to resume the production of “Panir Lori” cheese in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
The FSI will continue to monitor the situation and conduct follow-up inspections to ensure that the identified issues have been fully addressed and that future production meets all safety standards.
Source: https://verelq.am/hy/node/174922
