Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority runs its inspections based on risk assessment principles, i.e. the focal point of inspections are commodities at risk on the food market. Criteria for making a decision on inspection are findings from previous inspections or actual findings of inspectors in the fieldwork. Besides that CAFIA responds to findings of other public authorities, consumer suggestions and mass media as well as consumer associations.

One of the last targeted inspections in 2009 was inspection of bottled waters. The inspection verified whether non-flavoured bottled waters are in line with relevant quality characteristics and, namely, safety requirements. Eight samples were taken and almost 50 analyses performed, both microbiological analyses (e.g. presence of Escherichia coli, coliform bacteria, organothropic bacteria, enterococcy, etc.) and analyses on chemical composition (content of sodium, nitrites, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc).

Inspection revealed no major problem in terms of safety and all samples were classified as „complying“. Three samples showed higher amounts of organothropic bacterial colonies (measured at temperatures of 22° and 36° Celsius) than set by a decree. However, this is only a quality parameter, which indicates wrong storage conditions of bottled waters. 

All bottled waters should be labelled with a clause:“ Keep in a cold place, protect from direct sunshine“. This requirement is binding for producers and retailers, but should be observed by consumers too in their own interest. Storing bottles at direct sunshine contributes to grow of organothropic bacteria and negatively influences the quality of water. Consumers should be aware of different types of bottled waters. The decree defines different categories: mineral, spring, infant and packed drinking waters. Mineral waters originate from natural sources certified or accredited by the Ministry of Health, spring and infant waters come from protected underground sources. Mineral and spring waters can be treated by several specific methods (e.g. filtration, decanting), while infant water can be treated by UV-rays only. Packed drinking water equals in quality parameters to tap water, producers are allowed to add mineral substances.