The Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority carried out more than 95 thousand of targeted inspections in 2009, thus 20 thousand controls more than previous year. This high accrual of controls is caused by further streamlining of control activities: simplification of administration connected with inspection, working out the risk analysis on the grounds of which the controls are carried out, fine-tuning of information system where all control data are saved etc.

Traditionally, the most inspections were carried out in retail chain (83,860 inspections) and at foodstuff producers (11,329), smaller numbers of inspections then concerned wholesale stores or transport. The second year CAFIA also carried out a new type of official control, namely audit, whose aim is a complex examination of the system, by means of which a food business operator ensures food safety.

Last year, in the framework of control activities 4,581 samples (batches) of foodstuffs and tobacco products were revealed which in some parameter did not fulfil requirements of legislation. The biggest number of unsatisfactory samples (1,871) was revealed at the control of sensory quality requirements, i. e. control of visual aspects, taste, aroma, consistence and at labelling control (1,849) when it was found out if the label quoted all obligatory data, if they were stated in a correct way and if they were understandable to consumers. In total 802 unsatisfactory foodstuff samples were revealed on the grounds of consumer suggestions. From consumers, either directly or by rendering from other control bodies or institutions, CAFIA received 2,383 suggestions last year which is 491 less than previous year. Approximately at one third of suggestions their rightfulness was proved by means of control.

Last year inspectors imposed more than 15 thousand bans on putting into circulation concerning foodstuffs and tobacco products in the value of CZK 36,000,000. The biggest financial volume of bans (over CZK 17,000,000) was imposed on foodstuffs for special dietary uses and food supplements. This is mainly caused by high prices of these kinds of foodstuffs. CAFIA also imposed penalties in the total value exceeding 27 millions CZK, namely in the framework of 2,247 of finally completed administrative procceedings.

„From the food safety point of view the passed year was exceptional, no serious case had to be solved as it was for example in 2008 – the melamine case in foodstuffs from China. Regardless, our employees did a considerable workload when solving routine, more or less significant cases,“ evaluated last year Martin Klanica authorized to deputize for the Director General.

Quality and safety of foodstuffs on the Czech market cannot be evaluated only on the grounds of results of CAFIA controls because these are especially aimed at risk places of sale and production. Big numbers of bans also follow from this fact.