VIDEO: "It's normal to reuse aluminum cans, and the product is local": what the company and the Food Safety Inspectorate say

Videos are circulating online showing citizens peeling the labels off local juice aluminum cans and revealing that another product's label is underneath.

Auroranews.am contacted the management of the "Yan" juice producing company. In a conversation, they stated that the cans contain exclusively local produce. Regarding the aluminum cans, they mentioned that in international business, it is normal to purchase and use not only new but also pre-used cans.

We also reached out to Anush Harutyunyan, head of the Food Safety Inspectorate's Information and Public Relations Department. In our conversation, she noted that there is indeed a labeling violation. The Inspectorate has already identified the issue and fined the operator. As for the content, it is normal and safe.

Economist Suren Parsoyan also commented to Auroranews.am, stating that it would be problematic if the food product's label and markings misled consumers. For instance, if the can were damaged and two different labels were visible.

"In business, there can be cases where, due to technical circumstances, the company finds an available batch of cans, labels them, and sells them. Here, the Food Safety Inspectorate is the authority that has to deal with the situation," Parsoyan specifically mentioned.

In summary, it appears that the contents of the aluminum cans are safe, the juice is local, the inspection body has identified the issue and fined the manufacturer. Experts also indicate that this is standard practice in international business.