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Ministry of Agriculture press release of 8 September 2004

From 30 August to 3 September 2004, the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General carried out an inspection mission in the Czech Republic. The mission focused on the import control of foodstuffs from third countries whose release into free circulation is subject to specific control measures. This concerns products such as peanuts from China and their products, pistachios from Iran, figs from Turkey and Egypt etc. This mission was one of the inspection mission series within the EU with this focus. Eleven inspections with the same aim were carried out in “old” Member States and another 6 missions is planned to be carried out in “new” Member States, the first of which was performed in the Czech Republic. Up to the end of this year such missions will yet be performed in Slovakia and Hungary. The Czech Republic was added onto the list of inspected Member States because according to the statistical information a significant increase in the volume of imported foodstuffs subject to the specific control regime was registered from November 2003 to 1 May 2004.

The inspection team comprised two Food and Veterinary Office inspectors. The subject of their inspection was the customs clearance system of relevant foodstuffs, method of their inspection and release into free circulation, as well as determination of required analytical features. The food processors were also inspected, the attention was focused mainly on the traceability during processing and when potential measures are taken by supervisory bodies. The inspectors evaluated the preparation and organization of the mission very favourably and at final meeting they stated that they had not found any important weaknesses. On the contrary, the inspection team was satisfied with the method and security of customs clearance and laboratory inspection of foodstuffs of plant origin. Certain small deficiencies identified during the inspection will be removed as soon as possible.

After the accession to the EC, this was the first mission aimed at foodstuffs, inspection of their safety and state administration activities. We can unequivocally state that the nature of missions has changed and that their aim is now purely professional. The final report on results will be published on the website of relevant Directorate General so that all Member States can be acquainted with the situation in the Czech Republic.

The Ministry of Agriculture is glad to appreciate correct comportment of inspectors and their professional approach to the inspected issue.