Salmonella and Bacteria Found in Local Chicken Meat: Laboratory Test Results

On May 16, six types of locally produced fresh and frozen chickens were submitted for laboratory examination. This was reported by Hetq. This time, the Food Safety Inspection Body expressed its interest in participating in the testing.

The chicken meat was kept in refrigeration from the time of purchase until being transported to the laboratory. The expiration date of the chickens presented for testing is up to 5 days; at the time of publication, the mentioned chickens were within the expiration period and were not sold in stores.

Poultry meat is regulated by the Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TC 051/2021 on the safety of poultry meat and its processed products. The expiration date for fresh and frozen chicken is up to 5 days. The labeling of chicken meat must comply with the Customs Union TC 022/2011 regarding food products and the requirements of clauses 104-121 of TC 051/2021. Additionally, the labeling must contain information about the bird's slaughter and distinguishing characteristics of the poultry meat, including information about the type and group of the bird (e.g., "turkey", "chicken", etc.), as well as the category and thermal state ("frozen", "deep-frozen"). The packaging must be stamped with a veterinary seal, or its image must appear on the label.

Sample N 1
The first sample submitted for testing was from "Araks Poultry Factory". Production date: 15.05.2023.
Expiration period: 5 days.
The product has EAC marking (Eurasian Conformity), indicating that it has passed the necessary inspections, complies with the technical regulations established for it, and is allowed to be sold on the market. The label states "Healthy Food, Healthy Future". The laboratory examination conducted by the Food Safety Inspection Body revealed the presence of pathogenic salmonella in this sample. According to the examination by "Standard Dialog", no violations were found in this product.

“Salmonella bacteria do not manifest in improper preservation conditions and are unlikely to be contaminated in retail. This is more of a production process violation,” stated Karen Darbinyan, head of the "Standard Dialog" testing laboratory.

Sample N 2
The second sample was from "Shiraz LLC" and included "Ashtarak" frozen first-category broiler chicken. Production date: 16.05.2023.
Expiration period: 5 days at temperatures from -2°C to +2°C.
The product has EAC marking. No violations were found in this sample by two laboratory tests.

Sample N 3
The third sample was from "Agrotek Invest" and included the "Lusakert" frozen broiler chicken. Production date: 14.05.2023. The retail point (purchased from "SAS" supermarket) indicated a different expiration date of 15.05.2023. Expiration period: 5 days at temperatures from -2°C to +2°C.
The product has EAC marking and also has a "Halal" certification (voluntary, confirming that the product can be legally consumed by Muslims). No violations were found in this sample by "Standard Dialog". The Food Safety Inspection Body did not test this product.

Sample N 4
The fourth sample was from "Nubarashen Poultry Plant" and included "Erebuni" frozen chicken. Production date: 15.05.2023. Expiration period: 5 days.
This product was not packaged but had veterinary form No. 5, indicating it's from slaughterhouse origin. Form No. 5 has a label that the supplier fills out and provides to the seller. The sale of Form No. 5 certification incurs criminal liability.
The laboratory examination conducted by the Food Safety Inspection Body revealed the presence of MESFA, which exceeded the permissible norm by 110 times. No violations were found in this sample by "Standard Dialog".

“MESFA (mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria) characterize the product's quality, freshness, and safety. Exceeding their quantity indicates violations of sanitary conditions during production or adherence to preparation technology, as well as issues with storage and selling conditions at retail points. Bacteria can be pathogenic and cause various diseases.”

Sample N 5
The fifth sample was from "Spitak Poultry Combine" and included frozen first-category broiler chicken. Production date: 16.05.2023. Expiration period: 5 days.
The product has EAC marking. No violations were found in this sample by "Standard Dialog". The Food Safety Inspection Body did not test this product.

Sample N 6
The sixth sample was from "Getamej Poultry Combine" and included frozen first-category broiler chicken. Production date: 15.05.2023. Expiration period: 5 days.
The laboratory examination revealed the presence of pathogenic salmonella. No violations were found in this sample by "Standard Dialog".
None of the tested samples contained antibiotics.