The Number of Those Expressing Desire to Build Slaughterhouses Has Increased Sharply in Recent Days

On January 17, Deputy Heads of the Food Safety Inspection Body, Narek Hayrapetyan and Garik Saroyan, met with meat vendors and farmers who expressed dissatisfaction with the mandatory condition of transitioning to slaughterhouse slaughter.

The information and public relations department of the Food Safety Inspection Body, which is under the jurisdiction of the Government of Armenia, reported that the responsible officials presented the agreements reached with representatives of slaughterhouses the day before and answered problematic questions.

Deputy Head Garik Saroyan clarified that slaughterhouses will carry out pig slaughter for a maximum of 5,000 AMD, small cattle for 3,500 AMD, and large cattle for 10,000 AMD.

Moreover, the transportation of live animals to the slaughterhouse and the transport of products of animal origin obtained from slaughter will be free for three animals within a radius of up to 30 km. For one animal, the cost will be 3,000 AMD.

In response to concerns about the necessary number of slaughterhouses, it was stated that the capacities of the 25 existing slaughterhouses can meet the demand for meat in Yerevan. In the near future, an additional 23 slaughterhouses will be put into operation, which will be able to cover the entire country's demand.

It was also noted that the increased scrutiny of the mandatory requirement for slaughterhouse slaughter has attracted the attention of investors, leading to a sharp increase in the number of those expressing desire to build slaughterhouses.

There was dissatisfaction regarding the ability of existing slaughterhouses to meet the daily necessary volume of slaughter. During a phone call made on site, the owner of one slaughterhouse insisted that they are capable of processing up to 120 large cattle in one day.

“Regarding the postponement of the mandatory requirement for slaughterhouse slaughter, the Food Safety Inspection Body does not have such authority. We are an inspection and supervisory body, and we will fulfill our obligations using all available means,” said Narek Hayrapetyan, Deputy Head of the Food Safety Inspection Body.