Russian Frozen Chicken and Chicken Meatballs Batch Not Recalled from Stores After Pathogenic Salmonella Detected

Following a poisoning incident involving a seven-member family in the town of Goris, Syunik Province, the Armenian Food Safety Inspection Body conducted an investigation in stores in Goris and the village of Shinhuhair. They reported that pathogenic salmonella was detected in a sample of frozen chicken thighs from Russian production.

The official statement indicated that the sale of this product has been suspended, and the results of the laboratory examination have been forwarded to the investigative authorities.

As previously reported, on July 5, an extraordinary incident occurred in Syunik Province, where a family of seven was hospitalized in the Goris Medical Center with a diagnosis of “acute exogenous poisoning.” The family members included 9-year-old Marianna Kh., 4-year-old Luisa Kh., 11-year-old Elen Kh., 31-year-old Ani Kh., 6-year-old Ramela Kh., newborn Ani Kh., and 34-year-old Grigor Kh. Tragically, 4-year-old Luisa passed away without regaining consciousness.

Initial reports and releases suggested a link between the child's death and the salmonella issue. Investigating the official statements, “Factinfo” sought to clarify what actions the Food Safety Inspection Body took after identifying health-threatening elements, including how many batches were imported and by which company, whether the imported product was initially contaminated, or whether the storage conditions were insufficient, and how much non-compliant product existed in various stores and whether these were also recalled.

It was revealed that no recall order had been issued for the specific Russian-produced frozen chicken and chicken meatballs with detected salmonella, mesophilic aerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria; these products continue to be sold in stores. Moreover, the Food Safety Inspection Body is unaware if the products sold in other stores meet the standards because inspections have not yet been completed. No recall procedure has been established for this batch.

Food Safety Inspection Body spokesperson Anush Harutyunyan stated that salmonella could also transmit through the seller, indicating that issues could arise on-site as well, which is why only sales at the specific point of sale for the batch in question have been suspended. “We are now following the trace back to the importing company, where laboratory tests will be conducted, and if the issue is confirmed, we will suspend those as well.”

When asked when and with what batch the product was imported into Armenia, the answer remains unclear. Harutyunyan mentioned they are also trying to clarify this at this stage. “When the inspection results are completed, we will inform you.”

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