Czech agency summarizes 2023 food control efforts

The Czech Food Agency has published the findings of various inspections and controls in its annual report.

In 2023, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) detected 4,192 non-compliant batches of food and other products. This included 3,542 non-compliant lots in retail, 160 in manufacturing, 128 in wholesale and 362 in other areas.

SZPI detected the most deficiencies in foods imported from non-EU countries, while the lowest percentage of non-compliant samples were in products made by domestic producers.

Compliance with microbiological criteria was checked for 3,435 samples of food, meals, ice cream, bottled water and environmental wipes. On-site inspections detected 370 consignments unfit for human consumption, and laboratory testing detected 151 non-compliant samples.

The largest number of samples found unsafe were dairy products, meat products and fresh vegetables. Common problems included visible mold growth and decay.

Microbial non-compliance
Salmonella was found in 14 batches of fresh chicken, goose and duck meat and one batch of tested pork from the market. Listeria monocytogenes was found in one batch of smoked trout fillets from the market and one batch of cold dishes from a production facility.

The limit values ​​for Bacillus cereus were exceeded in three batches of mushrooms of Asian origin. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) was detected in one sample of steak tartare from catering facilities.

SZPI carried out 13,550 checks in restaurants, bistros, pubs, bars and other types of public catering establishments. In almost every fourth inspection in this sector, the agency found a violation of the law.

Almost a third of the inspected companies did not meet the requirements during inspections aimed at compliance with hygiene regulations. SZPI said the current situation in the public catering sector was “not satisfactory” and added that it would pay more attention to the sector.

Thematic inspections revealed problems with the traceability of apples, olive oil and honey characteristics, food labeling and food from Ukraine. Eight of 66 poultry meat samples from Ukraine were positive for Salmonella infantis.

371 notifications concerning the Czech Republic were distributed through the RASFF National Contact Point, while the country sent 93 original notifications.

Nearly 3,000 administrative procedures for non-compliance with food law by operators were completed, for which SZPI imposed fines of almost CZK 130 million (USD 5.7 million), which is approximately CZK 18.5 million (USD 800,000) more than in the previous year.

Inspection results
Meanwhile, recent operations by the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) have revealed violations of meat storage and product traceability.

In April, SVS inspectors discovered several violations of regulations on the storage of products of animal origin during a visit to a restaurant in the Znojmo district. This involved the storage of meat of unknown origin or of which the expiry date has expired. The operator also stored some raw materials at an inappropriate temperature.

Officials found 11 kilos of meat of unknown origin in a freezer box and 13 kilos of packaged meat after the expiration date. Temperature checks on some meats showed it to be more than 12 degrees C (53.6 degrees F), while the temperature required by legislation is a maximum of 4 degrees C (39.2 degrees F). Administrative proceedings will be initiated against the restaurant operator, which could face a fine of up to CZK 50 million (US$2.2 million).

In March, a joint inspection with customs officials involved a van carrying 1,315 kilograms of non-compliant food of animal origin.

The vehicle, registered in Poland, contained fresh and frozen chicken that was not in the original manufacturer’s packaging. It was not possible to match documents with the food transported. Inspectors could not verify shelf life or whether the food came from approved, supervised establishments. Veterinary staff seized the products and ordered their destruction.

Also in March, SVS officials and police discovered an illegal food warehouse in Prague. Nearly 300 pounds of food of animal origin was at the unapproved location, including frozen fishery products, meat products and frozen pork.

The products were not marked in any way, were not in the manufacturer’s packaging and the operator did not provide any documents about their origin. Some goods showed signs of improper storage and freezing. The storage and marketing of animal products was banned and operators risked a fine.

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