Food Safety Inspectorate halts dairy production at Eco Milk Group

ARMENIA – An inspection conducted by the Food Safety Inspectorate of Armenia at the Eco Milk Group dairy facility in Vardenis (Gegharkunik region) has uncovered several violations, leading to a temporary suspension of the production of certain product types.

Laboratory analyses of samples from various products indicated inconsistencies in the composition and microbiological parameters of “rezhan,” “sour cream,” “cottage cheese,” “matsun,” and “milk-containing sour cream products.”

Specifically, violations were noted regarding the fatty acid profile of milk fat, the presence of coliform bacteria, and the detection of mold and yeast fungi, with mesophilic microorganism levels exceeding acceptable limits.

As per the directive from the head of the Inspectorate, it has been mandated that batches of these products be withdrawn from the market and disposed of accordingly

The news comes after the Food Safety Inspection Authority stated that Armenia will implement stricter regulations regarding the labelling of dairy and meat products.

In line with recent amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, businesses will face penalties if they do not correctly display products made with milk fat substitutes on a dedicated shelf.

Additionally, these products must clearly state “contains milk fat substitute” in an easily readable and visible manner. 

Moreover, entrepreneurs will also be accountable for not having accessible documentation for meat products that verifies the livestock was slaughtered in licensed facilities, ensuring transparency for consumers.

Russia halts dairy imports from Azerbaijani firms over inspection refusal

Recently, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) restricted the import of dairy products from two companies, ALLBUY LLC and MILK PRODUCTS LLC.

The decision follows the companies’ refusal to permit Russian inspectors to evaluate their production facilities, a move seen as non-compliance with regulatory standards.

Rosselkhoznadzor had previously requested access to inspect five Azerbaijani dairy enterprises still exporting to Russia.

These inspections were intended to verify adherence to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Russian food safety regulations, especially after deficiencies were identified during earlier assessments in 2024.

According to Azerbaijan’s Food Safety Agency, both ALLBUY and MILK PRODUCTS have expressed a lack of interest in continuing exports to Russia.

The companies, which specialize in products like butter and cheese, are no longer pursuing trade with Russian buyers.

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