Unmarked Egg Batch Discovered, Expired Chicken Eggs Found

In light of the situation in the egg sales market leading up to the 2021 Easter celebrations, marked by an egg shortage and price inflation, as well as the circumstances created at the beginning of 2022, the Armenian Food Safety Inspection Body initiated supervisory measures in the egg production and sales market during January-February of this year to assess existing risks.

Summarizing the results of the state oversight, the following picture emerged:

1. Control activities were carried out at 10 egg producers, including all major producers, such as: “Lusakert Elite” LLC, “Project Inter-Invest” LLC (“Shiraki Egg” brand), “Araks Poultry Factory” LLC, “Arznu Breeding Farm” LLC, “Ashtarak Egg” LLC, “Myas” LLC (“Egg Food” LLC), “Gntunik” LLC, individual entrepreneur Janik Gyorgyan, “Gndevaz-Farm” LLC, and “Sanpauer” LLC.
2. Supervisory measures were also conducted within the sales network, including egg sampling and laboratory tests to determine egg freshness. Accordingly:
   – Unmarked egg batches were discovered at several operating entities, and sales of these batches were subjected to oversight. Sales were permitted only after appropriate labeling corresponding to the production date.
   – “B” class eggs were found at two producers, which are only allowed to be sold for production purposes. These batches were sold to producing companies, notifying the Inspection Body about this.
   – Attempts to sell “B” class eggs in the sales network were also recorded, which were thwarted by the Inspection Body, and sales of these batches have been suspended.
   – Expired chicken eggs were also identified in the sales network, and a directive was issued for the prohibition of product sales, withdrawal from the market, destruction or disposal, along with a decision to impose an administrative fine.
3. The Inspection Body established oversight over the implementation of the directives and recommendations issued.

As a result of the supervisory measures taken, a sufficient quantity of eggs was available in the sales market on the eve of the April 17, 2022 Easter celebrations, which also helps exclude artificial price inflation. Furthermore, a decrease in egg prices is observed in the market. Currently, continuous veterinary monitoring is being conducted for egg producers.