Regional FAO/NGOs – CSOs Consultation for Europe and Central Asia Yerevan(Armenia), 10 and 11 May 2010 Abgar Yeghoyan President “Protection of Consumers’ Rights” NGO/Armenia Food Safety Monitoring in Armenia

Increasing Monitoring Capacities on Food Safety in 2009 To establish legal regulatory mechanism for implementing monitoring and risk assessment of food safety situation in the country. To secure provision of the safe and qualitative products for the consumers of Armenia. To raise public awareness on consumers’ rights in the sphere of food safety. To improve efficiency and monitoring capacities of the State Inspectorate on Food Safety and Veterinary Services of Ministry of Agriculture of RA

Adopted Monitoring Procedures PCR developed the draft of the monitoring procedures, including risk assessment mechanisms December 4, the Ministry of Agriculture of the RA adopted the monitoring procedures by the Ministry Decree N 276-A,”The RA Regulation of Monitoring Procedures Implemented by The Food Safety and Veterinary Services of Ministry of Agriculture of RA and About the Confirmation of the Protocols Structure”

Travels to Gyumri City in Shirak marz, Edzmiacin City in Armavir marz and Yerevan City of Armenia (in October, November and December ) “State Inspectorate on Food Safety and Veterinary Services” of Ministry of Agriculture of RA jointly with PCR carried out food monitoring in Yerevan city and 3 marzes : – Lori (Vanadzor), – Shirak (Gyumri), – Armavir (Etchmiatsin and Armavir)

The results of the food monitoring 53 cases of expired products, 212 cases of products without correspondence certificates, 165 cases of products without Armenian labeling, 146 cases of products of unknown origin and the majority of cases products were held in improper temperature

Proposal for Monitoring Implementation in Public Schools December “State Inspectorate on Food Safety and Veterinary Services” of Ministry of Agriculture of RA jointly with PCR monitored a number of schools in Yerevan Results: expired products, junk and unhealthy food were revealed in their cafeterias and buffets.

Public Awareness Raising TV channels announced the results of monitoring – “H2”, – “AR” and – “Erkir Media” PCR invited a Press Conference “Major Issues Related to Consumers’ Rights Protection in 2009” on December 11, 2009

Improving Food Safety Situation in Armenia in 2010 Objective: to carry out monitoring of the implementation of the newly established monitoring procedures of Food and Veterinary Service Inspection and also the follow up of the revealed infringements and complaints. Aim: to improve food safety situation in Armenia in general and especially in schools, as it is a matter of national and genofond security.

Improving Food Safety Situation with OSCE Office in Yerevan The awareness raising campaign – consultations for consumers visiting the office – hot line consultations Booklets containing information about consumer rights on food safety will be distributed Joint food monitoring in shops and in schools of RA –Food and Veterinary Service Inspection in collaboration with PCR

Improving Food Safety Situation with OSCE Office in Yerevan Two trainings will be organized for the workers of school buffets Two press conferences will be held to inform the society about the training and monitoring results through mass media.

Thank you for your attention!