Immediately after the receipt of the notification from the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF), the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) sampled cherry tomatoes originating in Morocco present in the CZ retail network and carried out laboratory analyses with regard to possible risks to human health. Based on the information on health complications of French consumers and information from Czech consumers, the analyses verified presence of c. 300 chemical substances with particular focus on pesticide residues, microbiological contamination, and noroviruses.

The analysis proved presence of STEC (shigatoxin producing Escherichia coli) in one lot tested. With regard to the large amount of strains in this bacteria group, of which some may present a risk to consumers, further series of tests, so-called serotypisation, is necessary. Before the warning, the lot in question was sold by company Penny Market s. r. o., however, the sample was taken from the goods which had already been withdrawn into the background by the seller because of the investigation carried out on 18^th May 2015.

Results of other analyses did not prove values that could be connected with the alleged health complications of consumers. None of the other countries where the unsafe cherry tomatoes were exported had informed that the cause of the alleged health problems had been explained so far.

Based on the current detections and also precautionary principle, CAFIA remains its recommendation of 19^th May 2014 valid and does not recommend consumers they eat cherry tomatoes originating in Morocco. CAFIA further recommends consumers they should pay high attention to keeping elementary hygiene rules when consuming fresh fruit and vegetables, in particular proper washing with potable water.