Regulator says no food related problems in next 2-3 months

YEREVAN, March 14. /ARKA/. In response to concerns triggered by Russia's decision to ban exports of grain crops and sugar until August 31, 2022, including to Armenia, which is a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, the head of Armenia's Food Safety Inspectorate Georgy Avetisyan said today that Armenia will not have food-related problems in the next 2-3 months.

'There is no point in stocking up food staples,' he said. Last week people across the country were buying large quantities of flour, sugar and cooking oil, which are mostly imported from Russia.

According to Avetisyan, Armenia accounts for a very small percentage of Russian exports, and Russian exports to Armenia will not harm its food security.

"All risks are being assessed, the government is working and we keep our finger on the pulse," he said.

Last week Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan called on fellow citizens to stop panic buying saying that shortages of these and other basic foodstuffs are extremely unlikely in the months ahead.

Avetisyan said also today that the Food Safety Inspectorate suspended last year the operation of 60 business entities, the bulk of which were bakeries.

He said meat selling shops are now normally equipped and the sale is carried out in normal sanitary and hygienic conditions. -0--