YEREVAN – The State Food Safety Inspection Body (SAI) of Armenia has issued a statement refuting recent media reports claiming that a shipment of Armenian peppers exported to Ukraine was returned due to pest infestation, specifically thrips.
SAI categorically denies cargo return
According to a report published on June 15 by an Armenian website, a cargo truck laden with Armenian peppers was allegedly sent back from Ukraine after insects were discovered in the produce. However, the SAI has firmly denied these allegations, emphasizing that no phytosanitary controlled cargo exported from Armenia to Ukraine has been returned.
No official notification received from Ukraine
In its official statement, the SAI clarified, “No phytosanitary controlled cargo exported from Armenia to Ukraine has been returned, and the Armenian State Food Safety Inspection Body has not received any written communication or notification from the authorized body of Ukraine regarding non-compliance of shipments. Furthermore, no alerts have been received from economic operators.”
The SAI urged the media outlet that initially published the unverified information to disclose its sources, if any exist. It also called upon other media organizations to refrain from disseminating unverified and false information.
Broader context of Armenian-Ukrainian relations
This incident comes amidst ongoing diplomatic activities between Armenia and various international partners. On June 15, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Sweden expressed satisfaction with the high level of political dialogue between their countries. Additionally, regional unblocking and peace-building efforts are high on the agenda for Armenian-Dutch relations.
International military exercises in Armenia
In other news, Armenia is set to host the international peacekeeping exercise “Eagle Partner-2026,” further highlighting its engagement in international cooperation and security initiatives.
Local issues and public concerns in Yerevan
Meanwhile, in Yerevan, the capital city, local issues continue to draw public attention. The “Barekamutyun” underpass was once again flooded on June 15, leaving vendors to deal with the damages alone. This marks another instance of flooding in the city, raising concerns about urban infrastructure and drainage systems.
Political developments and electoral disputes
On the political front, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has confirmed the composition of the 9th convocation of the National Assembly. However, opposition forces have announced their intention to appeal to the Constitutional Court, suggesting potential disputes over the election results.
The SAI’s swift denial of the cargo return claims underscores the importance of accurate reporting and the body’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Armenia’s agricultural exports.
