YEREVAN, April 2. /Novosti-Armenia/. Inspectors from the Ararat Regional Center of the Food Safety Inspectorate of the Republic of Armenia have suspended the operations of a bread production facility belonging to individual entrepreneur Roza Chraghyan in Vardashen village, Ararat Province. The decision comes after a thorough inspection revealed significant sanitary and hygienic violations incompatible with food production standards, as reported by the Food Safety Inspectorate.
Severe Sanitary and Hygienic Lapses Identified
During the inspection, numerous deficiencies were documented, posing potential risks to food safety and public health. The report highlights several critical issues:
- Ceiling Condition: The ceilings were found to be in a state of disrepair, with a high risk of particles falling into the production area.
- Wall Surfaces: Walls lacked smooth surfaces, and in some sections, plaster was observed to be peeling and falling off.
- Insect Screens: Openable internal windows were not equipped with easily removable and cleanable insect screens, which are crucial for preventing pest contamination.
- Door Materials: The doors were not smooth and were not made of non-absorbent materials, making proper sanitation difficult.
- Restroom Proximity: Critically, the restroom doors opened directly into the production area, presenting a severe cross-contamination risk.
- Lack of Changing Rooms: The facility also lacked a dedicated changing room for staff, which is a basic requirement for maintaining hygiene in food production environments.
These findings collectively indicate a serious breach of food safety regulations, necessitating immediate action to protect consumers.
Production Suspended, Deadline Set for Rectification
Following the discovery of these violations, the head of the Inspectorate decided to suspend the production activities of the bread facility. A strict deadline has been set for the individual entrepreneur, Roza Chraghyan, to rectify all identified shortcomings.
The Food Safety Inspectorate emphasized that the suspension will remain in effect until all violations are addressed and the facility meets the required sanitary and hygienic standards for food production. This measure is part of ongoing efforts by the Armenian Food Safety Inspectorate to ensure the safety and quality of food products available to the public.
The Inspectorate continues to conduct regular checks across various food production facilities to uphold public health standards and enforce compliance with national and international food safety regulations.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent adherence to sanitary and hygienic norms in all food-related businesses to prevent contamination and safeguard consumer well-being.
