Expired Eggs and Chicken: Violations Recorded in Five Schools

As the academic year commenced on September 1, 2023, and to eliminate potential risks, the monitoring body of food safety in Armenia conducted inspections in 22 secondary schools across the country (two schools in Yerevan and one in each region). Violations were found in five schools across four regions.

In the Armavir region, at the "Armavir 10 Basic School" state non-commercial organization, the food service facility lacked an artificial ventilation system, and the windows did not have insect protection screens. At the "Zoraghbyur Vahuni Karapetyan Secondary School" in the Kotayk region, expired chicken eggs and yogurt were discovered. The "Horomi Secondary School" in the Shirak region had undocumented chicken breast without labeling, sunflower oil labeled as "Чистое золото" without Armenian labeling, as well as cheese-based products made with a dairy fat substitute called "Чанах." In the "Amasiya Secondary School" of Shirak, the kitchen windows also lacked insect protection screens, the walls were in disrepair, failing to provide a smooth surface for proper cleaning and disinfection, and the ceiling was moldy. Unlabeled buckwheat, millet, and beans were also found.

At the "Achajur H. Tamrazyan Secondary School" in the Tavush region, four cafeteria staff members had not undergone preliminary medical examinations. Guidelines were issued to eliminate the violations, and the expired and undocumented food products were destroyed on-site.