Hovhannes Mkrtchyan commented on Russian ban on Armenian meat and dairy products

According to the head of the Agriculture Ministry’s State Food Security Service, Hovhannes Mkrtchyan Russia’s temporary ban on Armeniam meat and dairy products relates only to animals prone to the foot and mouth disease, as well the respective genetic substances and by-products.

Mr. Mkrtchyan assured that Armenia continues the export of processed products of animal origin to the Russian Federation.

He said:

“Raw materials of animal origin – skin, fuzz etc. – have been banned for export.

The dairy products that haven’t been processed enough to rule out the virus’ presence; or those products that have not undergone a thermal processing were banned.”

He also assured that cheese in 4-5 trucks had been delivered.

Mkrtchyan said he knows that two countries have refused to receive Armenian imports but didn’t give further details.

He added that they initially made the information public given that the disease is visible to the unaided eye.

Mr. Mkrtchyan said that a sample for expert examination is sent to Russia.