The non-conforming samples represented a total quantity of 918,800 Kg, 2,060,200 litres and 8,100 pieces of foodstuffs and tobacco products.

The number of non-conforming samples and quantities of food are a result of 21,232 individual inspections. The highest number of inspections took place in retail shops (14,021), production (4,623), wholesale (2,487) and other business places (restaurants - 101).

CAFIA imposed 3,176 penalties in administrative proceedings for infringements of obligations arising from legal regulations, in the total value of CZK 24,769,000. The foodstuffs that did not comply with the regulations in force were prohibited. The total value of bans for 1999 amounted to CZK 48,951,000.

It is evident from the analysis of results of controls that occurrence of unhealthy food in the Czech market is relatively low. More non-conformances, in comparison with food safety, were disclosed in the controls of other obligations, such as requirements for labelling (including the false labelling - "adulterations"), quality, storage, documentation, hygiene, etc.

The activities that are directly linked with controls were successfully developing in 1999. Here are at least some examples:

• new testing methods were implemented in laboratories;
• CAI performed an audit in two already accredited laboratories, the process of re-accreditation was completed in other two laboratories;
• external laboratories were used for purpose of enlargement of the spectrum of inspections performed;
• co-operation with customs authorities was developing; they provided the inspection department with surveys of foodstuffs imported to the CR;
• Internet and the CAFIA web sites proved to be successful means of communication with the public;
• intensive educational and training courses on various subject matters took place within the framework of entire organisation, including the issue of critical points in production;
• the CAFIA personnel took part in the process of amendment and creation of legal regulations, both laws and decrees;
• activities in the field of international relations expanded - CAFIA was charged with organising the 16th FLEP Meeting in Prague in March 2000.

An in-depth analysis of the results of controls carried out in 1999 became a source material for the outline of conception of controls for the year 2000. At the same time, suggestions mentioned in the EU Commission's White Paper were carefully assessed and considered. First of all, continuity of controls concerning priorities such as food safety, disclosure of false information given to consumers, food for special dietary use, food sold at marketplaces or hazardous foodstuffs (either due to their characteristics or origin).