©FAO/Karen Minasyan

A two-day training on strengthening food safety and animal health capacities in risk assessment and management brought together experts from the fields of veterinary science, animal health and food safety. Overall, more than 30 people, mostly decision makers and managers, participated in the event starting on 5 February in Yerevan, Armenia.

The first day focused on risk assessors as the providers of science and the complementary role of risk managers, who use the science for decision making. Participants observed case studies from international sources and held active discussions on addressing chemical risks in food in Armenia, setting priorities for the country, and the steps needed to be taken to build on and lift up the skills and knowledge available.

The second day of the training focused on the presentation and discussion of specific technical issues on regulated substances and setting safe doses, as well as concerns and priorities in honey and fish products. The participants concluded the training by agreeing on the specific training needs and the way forward on chemical risk assessment.

“This event is a cornerstone for enhancing the skills of Armenian risk assessors and risk managers in the ever-evolving field of risk analysis of chemicals in food chains,” said Alberto Mantovani, international expert on toxicology and food safety chemical risk assessment. “The trainers and the Armenian colleagues work together to implement a One Health approach linking environment, plant, animal, and human health.”

The training echoes the Year of Plant Health 2020 and was a part of an ongoing FAO project begun in June 2019 that works closely with the Food Safety Inspection Body, the Ministry of Economy, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. The project will continue with the development of a Generic Risk Analysis Manual, which will develop risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication in the country in line with international standards.