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2.1.5. Inspection of labelling and quality of foodstuffs

The term quality in this report encompasses obligatory or declared analytical quality requirements and sensory quality requirements. The analytical quality requirements mainly include physical and chemical requirements for quality, such as moisture, ash content, fat content, sugar content, granulation, content of additives, etc. To assess them, suitable laboratory appliances are usually needed. Within inspections focused on analytical quality requirements in 2004, the CAFIA identified a total of 676 non-complying samples: the highest number in wines (176), potatoes (130), meat products (64), spirits (59) and confectionery products (34).

The sensory evaluation is carried out either at the point of inspection or samples are sent to the laboratory. The group of sensory requirements includes, for example, consistency of foodstuffs, their structure, colour, taste, odour, etc. Within inspections focused on sensory quality requirements the CAFIA identified a total of 1486 non-complying samples: the highest number in fresh vegetables (443), fresh fruit (271), wine (249) and meat – meat products (151).

The inspection of labelling includes the checking of information provided on the packaging of foodstuffs and products, on external packaging and on related documents. The truthfulness of information is assessed, i.e. whether consumers are not being misled (if it is a case of adulteration), whether all obligatory data are provided and whether they are provided correctly (if determined method of introduction is observed). The labelling inspection also includes the checking of expiry dates and best before dates. Within labelling inspection the CAFIA inspectors identified a total of 1548 non-complying samples, the highest number of them being in fresh vegetables (268) and fresh fruit (200).

2.1.6. Thematic and ad-hoc inspections

Thematically targeted inspections are inspections that are usually planned ahead of schedule and focus on a specific pre-defined topic. They are managed centrally by means of specific guideline. Their purpose is to contribute to addressing wider and more complex issues in some areas of food safety and quality. They take place on a nationwide basis or in some targeted regions.

Ad-hoc inspections are thematic inspections the exact subject matter of which is determined in the course of the year and that are performed outside the plan of centrally-managed inspections and outside inspection plans made by inspectorates.

Because of the extent of this report, only some thematic and ad-hoc inspections were chosen. The selection was made so that the breadth of CAFIA competencies can be manifested.

Import controls of foodstuffs of plant origin from third countries, subject to the EC legislation

One of the CAFIA primary tasks following the accession of the Czech Republic to the European Communities, is to ensure adequate protection of the European single market, to effectively check foodstuffs of plant origin imported from third countries and to take necessary precautionary measures for problematic groups of foodstuffs.

The CAFIA supervises imports of foodstuffs of plant origin from third countries in a close co-operation with the customs services. Import controls focus on risk commodities that are subject to specific import regime and that have to be subjected to systematic or random inspection according to directly binding EC regulations.

The objective of food safety inspections is to determine aflatoxin content in selected kinds of dry products and shell products (peanuts from China, pistachios from Iran, hazelnuts and figs from Turkey). Another subject of CAFIA regular inspections is the presence of colourings that are banned to be used in food production in chilli products.

In the period from 1 May to 31 December 2004, the CAFIA inspectorate in Prague issued to the Celní úřad D5 in Rudná u Prahy, which is the only approved point of entry for import of risk groups of dry and shell products into the EC on the territory of the Czech Republic, binding opinion on 233 consignments. These consignments included 132 consignments of peanuts from China, 87 consignments of hazelnuts and figs from Turkey, and 14 consignments of pistachios from Iran. A total of 115 samples of dry shell products were taken during import controls. Based on the results of laboratory determination of aflatoxin content, 21 consignments were rejected to be released into free circulation.

Out of 21 consignments that were not released into free circulation, so far 20 consignments were re-exported. Out of 12 unsatisfactory pistachios consignments from Iran 8 consignments were re-exported to Hongkong, 2 to Russia, 1 to Ukraine, and 1 to the port in Hamburg. Three non-complying consignments of dried figs from Turkey were re-exported to the country of origin, 1 consignment of contaminated dried figs was re-exported to Serbia and to Montenegro. Four unsafe peanut consignments from China were re-exported to the Netherlands.

The CAFIA, which is the national contact point for Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed within the EC, informed about rejected consignments other Member States and the European Commission. The purpose of such actions is to prevent foodstuffs that do not meet health requirements for aflatoxin content from being placed on the single market through points of entry of other Member States.

In addition, the CAFIA checks whether qualitative parameters are observed at imports from third countries. Such checks include mainly certification of fresh fruit and vegetables, carried out in accordance with the relevant regulation.

Inspection of labelling of selected meat products

In 2004, two centrally-managed inspections aimed at labelling of meat products were performed. The objective was to verify whether selected meat products (e.g. “lovecký salám”, “špekáčky”, “dunajská klobása”, “poličan”, etc.) comply with requirements for basic ingredients, with sensory requirements, and with physical and chemical properties. These requirements have to be met if the product is to be labelled with such names. Compared to previous inspections, centrally-managed inspections included also inspections of meat tins.

In the framework of the inspections, 616 meat products were evaluated to check the compliance with sensory requirements of the relevant decree. Out of this number 15 samples were found to be non-complying. The requirements on the basic ingredients, physical and chemical properties were evaluated in 64 meat product samples, out of which 27 samples, i.e. 42%, were evaluated as unsatisfactory. As a particular deficiency a lower content of net muscle protein was identified in 8 cases, non-complying water activity in 5 cases, banned presence of poultry meat in 14 cases, non-complying fat content in 2 cases, and lower meat content in 4 cases.

Inspection of safety and adulteration of honey

The objective of the inspection was to find out whether some samples of honey (in particular from third countries) contain antibiotics residues and whether syrups based on starch, saccharose, cane or sweet corn were added to honey sold in retail network, which would be consumer deception.

The subject of inspections was honey from domestic producers, EU producers and third countries producers, which are placed into circulation in the Czech Republic.

A total of 28 honey samples were collected and subjected to laboratory analyses. The list of particular non-complying properties is as follows:

• In 6 samples a higher content of hydroxymethylfulfur aldehyde was identified;
• In 1 sample different electrolytic conductivity was ascertained than the limit value for the declared type of honey designated on the label by the producer;
• In 2 samples higher concentration of apparent saccharose was proven;
• In 1 sample the presence of antibiotics residues was proven;
• In 1 sample the presence of suplhonamides was proven;
• In 1 sample adulteration of honey by adding starch syrup or sugar from C-4 plants (cane, sweet corn);
• In 4 samples a non-complying value of diastase enzyme was ascertained.

Out of the total number of 28  honey samples collected11 samples failed, i.e. 39.2%. The outcome of centrally-managed inspections confirmed that honey containing banned antibiotics residues and suplhonamides was put into circulation in the Czech Republic. It was also confirmed that some producers misled consumers by adding banned substances (sugar from C-4 plants) into honey.

Inspection of labelling of foodstuffs treated with ionizing radiation

The objective of this inspection was to verify whether foodstuffs are properly labelled after being treated with ionizing radiation and whether only foodstuffs for which such treatment is approved are treated. The year 2004 was the very first year when such inspection was carried out.

Within the inspection 17 samples (spice, herb teas and diet supplements) were taken for laboratory analyses. Out of this number 12 samples were of domestic origin, 3 samples were from the EU Member States, and 2 samples were imported. Only one sample was evaluated as non-complying, i.e. it was treated with ionizing radiation but it was not labelled so.

According to the Scientific Committee for Foodstuffs, treatment with ionizing radiation is in the interest of protection of public health, for it can effectively replace the use of, for example, fumigants and thereby prevent the formation of residues in case of contamination with harmful contaminants, mostly in dried aromatic herbs, spices and vegetable seasonings.

Klasa

As of 2003 the CAFIA checks, to the intent of approved rules, whether conditions determined for the label KLASA are observed for foodstuffs awarded with this national label. This includes both the requirements laid down by applicable legislation and requirements laid down outside the scope of the legislation. Such inspections are carried out by the CAFIA for all foodstuffs, including foodstuffs of animal origin.

Approximately 100 producers received the KLASA award for their products to the end of this year. The total of 608 various foodstuffs were awarded with this label.

In 2004, the CAFIA performed 57 inspections aimed at observance of conditions for awarding the KLASA label and checked 40 producers and 138 of their products; 19 producers (88 products) were producers of food of animal origin and 21 producers (50 products) were producers of other foodstuffs than of animal origin. The inspection revealed 6 unsatisfactory samples. The data includes also the inspections that were not finalized by 31 December 2004.

The national label is administered by the Department for Marketing of the State Agricultural Intervention Fund (SAIF) that informs CAFIA about results of its checks.

CAFIA and SAIF co-operation

On 16 March 2004 “The General Agreement on Co-operation” between the CAFIA representatives and the SAIF representatives was concluded. Apart from other commodities the Agreement includes co-operation in performing inspections of the quality of raw materials supplied for processing and consequently, inspection of products manufactured from such raw materials. The subject of inspections are producers´ organizations (associations of producers´ organizations) that wish to use the subsidy system in the area of processed fruit and vegetables.

In 2004, four quality inspections of raw materials were carried out and 2 samples of finished product – tomato concentrate – were taken. The samples inspected complied with values requested by the relevant Commission Regulation.

Inspection of roasted ground coffee aimed at disclosing adulteration

The inspection mainly focused on detection of “adulteration” of roasted ground coffees, by determining individual selected sugars (glucose, fructose, xylose and mannitol) the content of which is characteristic for 100% coffee. Other determined properties were also evaluated. The total of 14 samples were evaluated; 7 non-complying samples were identified out of which only one was “adulterated”. The other 6 non-complying samples lacked required data or correct data (5 cases) or they failed in sensory evaluation (1case).

Inspection of exogenous water in half-fermented wine and young wine

In the period October – December an inspection was carried out in premises of wine producers in order to check the content of exogenous water in half-fermented wine and young wine. The inspection took place in the sphere of activity of CAFIA inspectorates in Brno, Ústí nad Labem, Tábor and Prague. The total of 25 samples were taken and sent for analysis to the laboratory in Seibersdorf (Austria), where on the basis of measuring 18O isotopes exogenous water in grape juice and water for half-fermented wine was determined. Un-permitted addition of exogenous water was ascertained in one sample inspected.

Inspection of cut flowers

After the accession of the Czech Republic to the EU the CAFIA begun to check fresh cut flowers, fresh ornamental foliage, and flowering bulbs, corms and tubers. The principal EU regulations for inspection of the quality and labelling of the above commodities are relevant Regulations laying down quality standards for fresh cut flowers and fresh ornamental foliage, flowering bulbs, corms and tubers, and the Regulation on the establishment of a common organisation of the market in live trees and other plants.

In 2004, the CAFIA inspectors performed a total of 28 inspections of importers and in warehouses. The purpose of such inspections was to carry out a reconnaissance of the field, to inform persons inspected about CAFIA new work as regards flower controls, and about relevant EU Regulations so that persons inspected have the possibility to further work with this information.

Inspections of the uniformity of potatoes varieties

The objective of the inspection which was carried out in the period from 13 May to 31 May 2004 was to verify whether inspected retails observe the requirements for uniformity of potatoes varieties. The inspection focused on potatoes grown in the Czech Republic and on potatoes imported from the EU Member States and from third countries.

The analyses were conducted in the laboratory of the Potato Research Institute, Havlíčkův Brod, which has accreditation required for given laboratory methods. During this inspection 40 lots of potatoes of the total weight of 7388 kg were checked. Two lots,  of the weight of 804 kg i.e. 2.5% did not comply with the legislative requirements, both lots originated in the Czech Republic.

In another two lots – from Greece and from the Netherlands – a higher representation of tubers of foreign variety was identified than it is laid down by the relevant decree for domestic potatoes. Another inspection of the uniformity of potatoes varieties was carried out in autumn. The inspection was not closed in 2004, since the outcome of analysis was unknown by 31 December 2004.

Demonstration of gluten in foodstuffs

The objective of inspections was the check of food safety, inspection aimed at disclosure of possible consumer deception as regards the gluten (gliadin) content, and inspection of labelling.

All CAFIA inspectorates participated in these inspections. The inspection was aimed at the gluten content in a wide range of commodities (e.g. sweets, coffee, tea, dehydrated products, etc.). The selection of analysed commodities and individual groups of products was based on the CAFIA co-operation with a number of civil associations dealing with celiac disease (e.g. Klub celiakie Brno). During the inspection (August to October) 21 samples were taken from 8 persons inspected. Out of the total number of checked foodstuffs 3 samples were of foreign production and 18 samples of domestic production. None of the samples inspected had limit-exceeding content of gliadin. All samples analysed thus satisfied the requirements of the law as regards the obligation to indicate the presence of gluten in foodstuffs where its presence is not anticipated; the failure to include this information could pose a health risk for people suffering from celiac diseases.

Inspection of one-variety juices, nectars and beverages with focus on the verification of the fruit ingredient

The objective of the inspection was to verify whether fruit ingredients correspond to data declared on the packaging of one-variety fruit juices, nectars and beverages intended for consumer.

In comparison with the previous inspections, the CAFIA checked wider spectrum of products in 2004. Nectars and fruit drinks were included this year; the inspection was extended to include more kinds of fruit. The content of fruit ingredient was determined on the basis of examination of markers typical for given kind of fruit.

The total of 21 samples of one-variety fruit juices, nectars, and drinks were checked; the inspection included 13 domestic and 8 foreign products (one product from Austria, Poland and Italy, 2 products from Germany, and 3 products from Hungary). Within the inspection 8 samples of fruit nectars, 7 samples of fruit juices, and 6 samples of fruit drinks were taken.

Only one fruit beverage of domestic production was evaluated as unsatisfactory – apple drink in the labelling of which deficiencies were identified.

Ad-hoc inspection of meeting the requirements for fruit and vegetables quality

The main objective was to ascertain the current situation of selected commodities, namely carrot, cabbage and apples, regardless their country of origin.

The inspections were carried out in all regions of the Czech Republic. In 43 wholesales and 46 retails, mainly in supermarkets, a total of 618 lots of the above commodities were checked. The majority of products inspected were of domestic origin. The infringement of quality requirements was found in 11 cases; non-complying products were banned to be placed into circulation.

The defects and deficiencies ascertained were mainly due to the long-lasting and unsuitable storage and in case of imported products it was not therefore possible to assess them unambiguously as defects originating in the country of origin. The outcome of inspections did not confirm information announced by the press that non-quality goods are imported (e.g. from Poland).

2.1.7. Production inspection

In 2004, the total of 8802 inspections of producers were performed during which 3876 premises were checked. This comprised 4694 points of production (premises); some of them were checked repeatedly. In terms of inspecting registered points of production that were carrying out their activities in this year (6283), a total of 74.7% were checked. As to commodities, the majority of inspections were conducted in bakeries, confectionery production premises and in delicatessen production premises.

One of the principal objectives of CAFIA inspections in the production of foodstuffs was to assess the observance of requirements of the relevant legislation, concerning mainly personal and operational hygiene, by carrying out a comprehensive inspection of food producers´ premises within so called “passportization”. The inspectors evaluated in premises a total of 70 features the level of which was then the main aspect for classing the premises into a particular category according to the level of risk assessed. The total of 792 food premises were assessed in the period monitored out of which 82 premises, i.e. 10.4%, were fully satisfactory.

In 731 cases the inspection focused on the critical control point system (CCP System). 419 premises inspected had a fully implemented system with no failures ascertained (57.3%), to the contrary 10 premises (1.4%) have not yet begun to implement such a system. Other premises implemented their CCP systems to a various extent (41.3%). The inspections thus showed that at this time the level of the CCP system implementation is at a relatively high level.

Apart from inspections in the premises of food producers performed within passportization and CCP implementation, the CAFIA focused on adherence to further legislative requirements. Such inspections included, for example, sampling for the purpose of safety and quality checks, or follow ups on measures.

2.1.8. Trade inspection

The trade inspection includes checks of retail network (i.e. big stores of trade chains, smaller shops and stalls) and the inspection of wholesale warehouses (i.e. locations where big volumes of goods are concentrated before their distribution to other businesses, shops, etc.). Within the trade inspection, 12537 checks were performed in retails and 1611 in wholesale warehouses. The total of 3303 non-complying samples were ascertained.

The concept of trade inspections is traditionally based on centrally-managed control plans, plans of individual inspectorates and on the current situation during the year. Another aspect is a priority focus on obligations that can be directly influenced by the sellers. Such obligations include the safety in relation to storage conditions, adherence to temperature regimes for chilled and frozen products, adherence to hygiene requirements during the sale, data provided in the sale of non-packaged and packaged foodstuffs, store equipment according to the assortment of the goods sold, adherence to the expiry and best before dates, etc.

The deficiencies that obviously had not arisen as a result of incorrect performance of the seller but that had been caused by the producer or importer (such as inappropriate labelling of packaged products, infringement of food safety or adulteration) served above all as proposals for dealing with producers or importers responsible for solving such cases.

As to individual commodities, the inspections focused mainly on fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, meat products, dairy products, confectionery products, delicatessen products, bakery products, wine but also other commodities that are important from the viewpoint of the consumption basket, or there was another reason to pay increased attention to such inspections.

2.1.9. Suggestions for inspections

Within its inspection activities the CAFIA also considered the suggestions of consumers, state institutions, specialized organizations and the media.

In 2004, the CAFIA received 1668 suggestions, which is by 219 suggestions more than in 2003. A significantly higher number of notices came directly from consumers, which was the consequence of greater and constantly growing interest of the general public in the food-related issues, more frequent presentation of the CAFIA in the media and on the Internet, and of the more comprehensive information the consumers had at their disposal. Fewer suggestions CAFIA received from the public health protection authorities, Czech Trade Inspection, State Veterinary Administration, or the Police of the CR.

The suggestions for inspections regarded mainly the following: inadequate quality of foodstuffs, sale of products with expired use by date and best before date, placing stickers over expiry dates on the packaging, hygiene deficiencies in stores, inadequate storage conditions, and foodstuffs with misleading labelling. As regards the commodities, the suggestions mainly concerned meat and meat products, fresh vegetables, but also fresh fruit, bakery and dairy products, and delicatessen products. The suggestions for inspection of alcoholic drinks (wines, spirits) were relatively frequent; there were fewer suggestions regarding the quality of soft drinks. Notices regarding confectionery products, chocolates and sweets, processed fruit and vegetables (mainly jams and preserves) were fewer.

In 2004, the majority of suggestions concerned the sale of food in smaller stores, there were fewer suggestion regarding the sale of food in supermarkets.

2.1.10. Measures

Based on the results of the inspection performed, the inspector imposes measures that are to result in the correction of possibly identified unsatisfactory situation. In cases where it was identified that products, foodstuffs, raw materials or tobacco products do not comply with determined requirements, one of the measures that can be imposed are bans on the production or on placing into circulation. The bans may also include usage of packaging, appliances, equipments, production premises, provided that they were found to be unsatisfactory. In 2004, the CAFIA imposed 11133 bans constituting a sum of 12,600,339 CZK (mainly for spirits, nuts and wine).

Another form of measure is suspension of placing into circulation of products, raw materials or tobacco products if there is a suspicion that they are not safe, or, measures leading to the remedy of deficiencies.

For further details about sanctions and measures imposed see chapter 2.7. Legislation.