The Reality of Pesticides: Addressing the Food Safety Gap in Armenia
The food safety system in Armenia exhibits several gaps; specifically, the optimal level of protection for consumers from risks associated with pesticide exposure has yet to be attained. This is due to both contamination issues involving banned substances and an inadequate monitoring system for modern pesticides.
The article examines the current state of pesticide contamination in Armenia, highlighting three main challenges: the inconsistency between national and international regulatory frameworks, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) “inherited” from the Soviet era, and the necessity of modernizing monitoring, control, and risk assessment systems for pesticide residues to safeguard food safety and public health.
The Content of the article is the sole responsibility of the author and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Heinrich Boell Foundation Tbilisi Office - South Caucasus Region.
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Table of contents
Introduction - 4
Legal Regulation of Pesticides: The Contrast between National and International Approaches. Lost in a “Legal Maze” - 5
“Inherited Pollution.” The Problem of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) - 8
Current Pesticide Contamination: Residues in Food and Public Health Risks - 10
Conclusion - 12
References - 15