70 Percent of Food Poisoning Cases Linked to Chicken, Reports SAMT

The Food Safety Inspection Body (SAMT) has reported that in 70 percent of food poisoning cases, the food involved has been chicken meat.

“An analysis of food poisoning cases recorded by the Food Safety Inspection Body over the past few years has shown that contrary to the misconception that any intestinal infection is solely caused by food factors, the overwhelming majority are due to secondary or cross-contamination (the transfer of bacteria and viruses from hands to food). In developed countries, cases of poisoning registered annually are also mainly caused by human factors such as cross-contamination, breaches of storage conditions, improper washing and disinfection practices, as well as non-compliance with personal hygiene rules, and more.

According to the data published by the World Health Organization, 600 million people become ill each year due to eating food contaminated with microorganisms. Although poisoning cases in Armenia decreased 2.5 times in 2022 (7 operators) compared to 2021 (18 operators), which is also a result of the effective oversight of the Inspection Body, consumer awareness and responsible behavior are necessary for the issue to be predictable and manageable.

The analysis of poisoning cases has highlighted two risks: about 90 percent of poisoning cases are reported in public catering establishments, where inspections primarily revealed sanitary and hygienic violations and discrepancies in employees' preliminary and periodic medical examinations, and in 70 percent of cases, the food involved was chicken meat.

The Inspection Body has developed and is implementing control tools within its operational framework; however, public vigilance is a significant and effective means of preventing shortcomings in food safety and minimizing food poisoning or cross-contamination. Active cooperation with the public aimed at eliminating food poisoning is one of the priorities of the Food Safety Inspection Body,” the statement said.