The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) revealed hidden storages of foodstuffs in the premises on Jesenická street No. 52 in Bruntál. The storages were not registered at CAFIA. During the inspection of the storages, CAFIA imposed ban on sale of almost 18 tons of packaged potatoes and tens of pallets of fruit and vegetables. The operators were not able to show title deeds related to these commodities, and that is why they were regarded as foodstuffs of unknown origin. CAFIA further verifies the origin of more than 10 tons of packaged potatoes and tens of pallets of fruits and vegetables. It is possible that the amount of the banned goods will be extended. CAFIA also found more than 15,000 pieces of eggs from Poland at which operators were not able to show related title deeds. The storages were partly devastated, mould was spread on the walls and also affected the stored vegetables.

This detection is a follow-up to the series of previous detections, when the volume of stall sale of fresh fruit and vegetables significantly increased in particular in the Czech-Polish border area and the number of non-compliant samples taken in that area also substantially increased. The responsible Inspectorate of CAFIA carried out hundreds of inspections this year which were focused on the stall sale of fruit and vegetables. In particular in Opava, Jeseník and Bruntál districts, for example non-compliant lots of consumption potatoes were detected in total amount of 4,750 kg. During these inspections, CAFIA, inter alia, found misleading of consumers, as the mentioned variety did not correspond to the subsequent laboratory analysis. CAFIA found unauthorised use of labels of Czech growers on the lots of potatoes with unknown origin. The inspected person failed to submit title deeds in a range of cases or used repeated invoices. The investigation also showed that some labels indicated a registered person – a grower that did not exist.

The intensity of the inspection activities with this focus will further continue. CAFIA will also initiate an administrative procedure on imposition of a fine with the inspected persons.