YEREVAN, JULY 27, NOYAN TAPAN. In the period of January to May 7, 2009, the State Food Safety and Veterinary Inspection of the RA Ministry of Agriculture consucted checks of 1,001 economic entities in Yerevan and marzes (provinces) of Armenia, including 673 checks in shops, 224 checks at public catering enterprises (restaurants, cafes, etc.) and 104 checks at various workshops. Head of the Legal and Information Unit of the Inspection Susanna Minasian told NT correspondent that violations were not revealed at only 62 out of the 1,001 economic entities. The other 927 economic entities were subjected to administrative responsibility. Fines of a total of 47 million drams were imposed. She said that on May 7 the Inspection suspended checks based on the Armenian government's decision, under which the state bodies authorized to conduct checks in 2009-2010 must suspend checks at small and medium enterprises. According to S. Minasian, since the indicated decision of the government, checks have been conducted (by written permission of the prime minister) at 3 economic entities - Mush, Byrakn and Viva Karapetians LLCs where in particular foodstuffs of animal origin which have not undergone a test were found, as well as technology instructions, regimes and certificates were absent. S. Minasian said that these economic entities were subjected to administrative responsibility. Fines of 300 thousand drams were imposed on Mush and Byrakn companies, while Viva Karapetians paid a fine of 200 thousand drams (about 650 USD).

---