“The food safety inspection body of the Republic of Armenia continues too monitor the meat market on the eve of the New Year holidays, starting from December 15.
Over the past 12 days, SATM inspectors have conducted monitoring in 247 meat sales facilities of the republic’s sales network.
Business owners will be held administratively responsible for permitted violations, and a slaughterhouse that does not have the 5th veterinary form accompanying the meat is subject to destruction or decommissioning.
During the ongoing monitoring, the Inspection Body was supported by the units of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, during which cases of transportation of both non-slaughterhouse origin meat grinder and meat grinder meeting all the specified requirements were recorded.
From October 1 to December 15, an average of 15 tons of cattle and 12 tons of pigs were slaughtered per day in 72 domestic and service slaughterhouses.
On average, 78 tons of cattle and 34 tons of pigs have been slaughtered since December 15. Also, the number of slaughterhouses providing services has increased by 3: 75 slaughterhouses have slaughtered.
It is indeed clear that during the last 12 days, the amount of slaughter carried out in slaughterhouses has generally increased by 3 to 5 times per day on average.
We remind you that the meat grinder must be accompanied by a veterinary Form 5 certificate certifying its slaughterhouse origin,the meat must be identified (the serial number of the stamp on the meat and the Form 5 certificate must match),the meat cut and placed in the refrigerator-display must be presented with an information sheet (must be identical to Form 5 certificate and meat stamp)”.
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How can consumers ensure the meat they purchase is safe and compliant wiht regulations?
Q&A: Insights from the Meat inspection Market Ahead of New Year Holidays in Armenia
Editor: Today, we are joined by Dr. Anna Ghazaryan, a food safety expert with extensive experiance in meat inspections and regulatory compliance.As we approach the New Year holidays, the meat market in Armenia is under close observation. Welcome, Dr. Ghazaryan!
Dr. Ghazaryan: Thank you for having me! It’s a critical time for food safety, particularly in the meat industry, and I’m glad to share insights on the current monitoring efforts.
Editor: The food safety inspection body has been actively monitoring the meat market since December 15. can you tell us more about the scope of these inspections?
Dr. Ghazaryan: Absolutely. Over the past 12 days, inspectors have evaluated 247 meat sales facilities across Armenia.This heightened scrutiny is essential during the holiday season when meat consumption typically spikes due to festive celebrations.
Editor: What specific violations are being monitored, and what consequences can businesses face?
Dr. Ghazaryan: Business owners are held administratively responsible for any permitted violations. Notably, slaughterhouses operating without the critical veterinary Form 5—a certificate indicating the meat’s slaughterhouse origin—face severe penalties, including potential destruction or decommissioning of operations.
Editor: That’s quite serious. During this inspection period, what trends have you observed in meat production?
Dr. Ghazaryan: Interestingly, the data indicates a remarkable increase in slaughter rates. on average,as December 15,around 78 tons of cattle and 34 tons of pigs have been slaughtered daily,which is a 3 to 5-fold increase compared to weeks prior. Moreover, there’s been a slight rise in the number of operational slaughterhouses, now totaling 75.
Editor: It sounds like demand during the holidays drives these numbers up. In your opinion, what are the implications of such a surge in meat production?
Dr. Ghazaryan: The demand during holidays can indeed lead to increased production, but it raises food safety concerns. Higher slaughter rates can strain oversight capabilities, potentially leading to lapses in compliance. That’s why the timely verification of meat origin and proper documentation, such as matching serial numbers on the meat and Form 5 certificates, is crucial.
Editor: What advice would you give to consumers concerned about meat safety during this busy season?
Dr.Ghazaryan: Consumers should always verify that the meat they purchase is accompanied by the proper veterinary certificates and facts sheets. Checking for these documents at the point of sale provides an added layer of security regarding food safety. Additionally, consumers should be aware of the source of their meat and prefer established vendors with a reputation for compliance.
Editor: Those are valuable tips, Dr. Ghazaryan. As food safety continues to be a pressing issue, what changes might we anticipate in regulations or industry practices moving forward?
Dr. Ghazaryan: Given the trends we’ve seen, I anticipate stricter enforcement of regulations, especially during peak seasons. The government may also invest in better technology for monitoring and inspections to ensure compliance across the board. Enhanced education for both consumers and industry players on best practices is essential in driving a culture of food safety.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Ghazaryan. It’s clear that rigorous inspections and informed consumers play crucial roles in ensuring meat safety in Armenia, especially during festive times.
Dr. Ghazaryan: Thank you! I hope our discussion encourages greater awareness and proactive measures in food safety. Happy holidays!
Editor: Happy holidays to you too! For readers interested in food safety and regulations in Armenia, staying informed and vigilant is key.