Expert says authorities should step up control over domestically produced and imported foods
20.05.2016,
16:59
Armenian authorities should step up control over the quality of both domestically–produced and especially imported agricultural products, especially those brought from Turkey, Levon Ajemyan, head of a laboratory of the Food Safety Center, told journalists today.
YEREVAN, May 20. /ARKA/. Armenian authorities should step up control over the quality of both domestically–produced and especially imported agricultural products, especially those brought from Turkey, Levon Ajemyan, head of a laboratory of the Food Safety Center, told journalists today.
According to him, there are many shortcomings in overseeing the quality of imported Turkish goods.
"I believe that imported goods, especially those brought from Turkey should be examined very carefully by relevant government agencies. We all know that Turkey is far from being a friendly country for Armenia. I do not exclude that Turkish foods can contain harmful substances causing serious illnesses,' he said.
According to Ajemyan, foods imported from Turkey are subject now to only phytosanitary control, while their quality is not controlled. He added that there is no control over the use of pesticides by Armenian farmers, so the damage from local products can even be higher than from imported ones.
"Agricultural products grown in Armenia are not examined for the content and concentration of harmful substances, in particular, heavy metals, nitrates and radionuclides. The problem with nitrates is that they do not have immediate negative impact on the human body and can cause chronic poisoning by accumulating in the body for years,' he said. -0-
According to him, there are many shortcomings in overseeing the quality of imported Turkish goods.
"I believe that imported goods, especially those brought from Turkey should be examined very carefully by relevant government agencies. We all know that Turkey is far from being a friendly country for Armenia. I do not exclude that Turkish foods can contain harmful substances causing serious illnesses,' he said.
According to Ajemyan, foods imported from Turkey are subject now to only phytosanitary control, while their quality is not controlled. He added that there is no control over the use of pesticides by Armenian farmers, so the damage from local products can even be higher than from imported ones.
"Agricultural products grown in Armenia are not examined for the content and concentration of harmful substances, in particular, heavy metals, nitrates and radionuclides. The problem with nitrates is that they do not have immediate negative impact on the human body and can cause chronic poisoning by accumulating in the body for years,' he said. -0-
