Food safety agents scrutinize fruit and vegetable shops

The Food Safety Inspection Agency is carrying out inspections at fruit and vegetable sales outlets after a shopkeeper in Yerevan was allegedly seen spraying insecticide on produce and did not deny it on camera when confronted by a witness.

Samples were taken for laboratory testing, and the results showed insecticide residue, but the authorities now say the amount of chemicals did not exceed “permissible limits.”

The agency’s specialists are visiting stores one by one on a random basis following public concern.

In an interview with Armenpress, Koryun Samsonyan, chief inspector of the Rapid Response Division of the Food Safety Inspection Agency, said that samples are being collected and sealed for laboratory testing.

“We will submit the samples for laboratory examination to determine whether insecticides are being used. We will check the levels of permethrin and cypermethrin to determine whether there is a problem. If violations are identified, the matter will be handled in accordance with the procedure prescribed by law, the batch in question will be destroyed, and the business operator will be subject to administrative liability,” Koryun Samsonyan said.

The inspector stressed that inspections of outlets selling fruit and vegetables are not a new practice. Such shops have always been a focus of the agency’s attention. However, inspections are being conducted again in connection with the recent "incident."

In any case, specialists urge citizens to remain vigilant and contact the inspection body if they have questions or encounter problems.