May 7, 2009 - 16:15 AMT
Consumers should protect his rights themselves
Without cooperation of all relevant stakeholders it is impossible to succeed in ensuring food security, Susanna Minasyan, representative of State Inspection on food security and veterinary at the ministry of agriculture, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"Close cooperation is necessary between state agencies and non-governmental organizations protecting consumer rights," Ms. Minasyan said.

Despite apparent success, there are many barriers hampering that cooperation. According to her, one of the main obstacles is the poor awareness of population.

"Quality food and safe food are not always comparable notions, since a product can be safe but not of a high quality, and vice versa," she added.

Ms. Minasyan believes, that every person should be primary protector of own rights and interests.

A round table devoted to greater transparency and accountability in the sphere of food certification was held in Yerevan, attended by representatives of agriculture, healthcare ministries and certifying organizations. .