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During the control of the sale of a product "Common Fennel - Herbal tea", produced by HERBEX s.r.o., 916 14 Hrašné 1, Slovak Republic, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority detected the admixture of thorn-apple seeds, in addition to ground fennel seeds.

Thorn apple is a rank weed, commonly growing in warm regions. The plant is toxic and its seeds, especially, contain toxic alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. The admixture of its seeds in herbal tea can induce serious problems to health.

The company HERBEX CZECHIA, s.r.o., Návojná 134, district Zlín, has been identified as the importer. Immediate inspection was performed in the premises of the importer. Based on its results, CAFIA imposed a ban on releasing into circulation the following non-conforming batches:

Batch No.: 40321000 Date of production: 251000, Use-by-date: A 1002
Batch No.: 40310800 Date of production: 080900, Use-by-date: A 0902

The CAFIA laboratories have already confirmed the occurrence of alkaloids in thorn-apple seeds.

Another ban on the release into circulation was imposed on the batch with the following identification:

Batch No.: 40311200, with specified different dates of production and use-by-dates
 
Its products are currently analysed in laboratories. It can be assumed that based on the initial sensory analysis of composition of the tea mixture, alkaloids will be detected also this batch.

The importer was prohibited to release into circulation the total of 580 pcs of consumer packaging of this product, and moreover, he is expected to take the following actions:

• To inform his customers about the identification of a product non-conforming with requirements for its safety
• To make sure that all batches of this product will be withdrawn from the market
• To submit to CAFIA a written report on the actual situation by 2001-02-05

CAFIA has been currently verifying directly in the customers and retailers whether the actions taken are observed. The non-conforming batches identified during the subsequent inspection will be analysed in a laboratory.

CAFIA informed responsible authorities in the Czech Republic (Senior Hygienist) so that they could also take adequate actions within the range of their competencies, and, a respective inspection body in Slovakia was also informed. For a copy of the press release and pictures of the packaging, visit our web sites www.czpi.cz

It can be assumed that with respect to the long term of Use-by Date, this product can still be found in number of households. Under no circumstances this product can be recommended for use.