SATM Head Loses Position Due to Irresponsible Work of ‘Art Lunch’

According to the ‘Zhoghovurd’ newspaper, it became known yesterday that Gevorg Avetisyan, the head of the Food Safety Inspection Body, submitted his resignation.

‘Zhoghovurd’ has learned that the unexpected resignation of Avetisyan is due to the irresponsible work of ‘Art Lunch’ company. Recently, after food supplied to a hospital, 54 individuals, including two pregnant women, suffered from gastrointestinal disorders. Following this incident, the ‘Grigor Lusavorich’ Medical Center terminated its contract with ‘Art Lunch’, yet the company’s management has not faced accountability for effectively poisoning more than five people.

Instead, decisions were made in government circles to “punish” the head of SATM by dismissing him from his position. Moreover, ‘Art Lunch’ will continue to thrive, monopolizing its position in the state system and supplying food to the military units of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. It now raises concerns about the quality of food reaching soldiers.

It remains unclear why ‘Art Lunch’ continues to enjoy privileges without facing penalties. It is possible that this company, under the direction of Bakur Melkonyan, is still benefitting from the patronage of a high-ranking official. This suspicion arises as the company was previously under the patronage of former Minister of Defense Vigen Sargsyan.

Interestingly, the company established itself within the state apparatus after the Velvet Revolution. Turning back to Gevorg Avetisyan's resignation, it is notable that news of his resignation came just hours after he presented a report to the Prime Minister. There are reports suggesting that another reason for his departure may be related to incidents of alcohol poisoning that resulted in fatalities. However, Avetisyan could not have anticipated how he was supposed to supervise home distillers of alcohol.