In the first nine months of 2025, Armenia's Food Safety Inspection Body found sanitary violations in 65% of 43 inspected kindergarten cafeterias, suspending work at two.

In 2024, 49 out of 57 kindergartens had violations, leading to eight suspensions. Most inspections in 2025 covered kindergartens in the country’s nine provinces and Yerevan, with Armavir omitted. In 2024, kindergartens in Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, and Syunik were not inspected.

The most common issues over the past two years include failure to perform regular medical exams, unsanitary conditions, lack of staff changing rooms, improper labeling, and inadequate disinfestation and rodent control.

The Yerazik kindergarten in Gugark and the No. 11 in Yerevan had the highest number of violations in 2025. Akunk kindergarten in Kotayk was the only one inspected both years, recording expired food in 2024 and lapses in medical checks and pest control in 2025.

All responsible individuals in kindergartens with violations faced administrative fines. There are 1,284 preschool institutions in Armenia, according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

Top photo: Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport