Domestic producers to be required to introduce new food safety management systems

YEREVAN, July 4. / ARKA /. The Armenian government will demand that domestic producers introduce new food safety management systems, Abraham Bakhchagulyan, head of the State Food Safety Service, an affiliation of the Ministry of Agriculture, said to a news conference today.

He said Armenia Food Safety Improvement Project launched in 2012 with the help from the International Financial Corporation (IFC) draws on IFC’s global and regional expertise to help Armenia’s food producers adopt the best international food safety practices.

He said the project seeks to increase the competitiveness of Armenian food producers by improving their food safety practices through increasing awareness of food safety issues among food producers and facilitating access to market for local food producers by helping them implement food safety management systems, and building capacity of local consultants.

Bakhchagulyan said in 2012, the State Food Safety Service jointly with IFC released two manuals for local producers - Good Hygiene Practice and Good Manufacturing Practice. The brochures provide producers with practical advice on how to comply with basic hygiene and manufacturing rules. They also provide advice for inspectors, offering a standardized approach for assessing compliance and making the process more efficient. 

Bakhchagulyan said also the Food Safety Service has been working on new manuals for introduction of new food safety management systems  for production of meat and meat products,  milk and dairy products, fish and fish products, canned fruits and vegetables, alcoholic drinks, natural juices and mineral water. 

He said more manuals for introduction of new food management systems will be designed for production of bread and pastry products.

“Improved food safety will help manage risks in the supply chain and enhance the market position of producers, as well as retailers,” said Maia Tevzadze, IFC’s Armenia Food Safety Improvement Project Manager. 

“Most importantly, improved food safety in the retail supply chain will benefit consumers in Armenia,” she said.  .-0-