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Foodstuffs affected by floodwater should better be disposed

08/10/2010
 
In connection with the devastating floods, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority again reminds the rules how to handle foodstuffs in the struck areas. Foodstuffs that came into direct contact with floodwater pose a high risk of microbiological contamination; therefore, it is much better to dispose them all. This is also the case of hermetically closed foodstuffs, such as home-made jams. Dirt from water could also settle under the lid from where it is very difficult to remove it. Only tins can be used after thorough cleaning or disinfection and only under condition that the packaging and the label, from where it is possible to find out information about the content of the tin or its best before, were not damaged. In case that the tinned foodstuff shows sensorial changes (in taste, colour and aroma); people should not consume it at all. Attention should be also paid to foodstuffs that were not directly flooded, however, they were exposed to high humidity and that is why they could be affected by moulds and mycotoxins. In particular dry foodstuffs (flour, breadcrumbs, pulses, cereals etc.) are dangerous from this point of view.
However, places that were not directly struck with water could have been affected by power cuts as well. All chilled foodstuffs, in particular meat, milk, delicatessen and confectionary products that were exposed to a higher temperature for more than four hours have to be also disposed. This is also the case of frozen foodstuffs that were out of the freezing regime for more than 2 hours.
The rules mentioned above are applicable in particular for consumers, but naturally for operators as well. All flooded food business operators, no matter sellers or producers, are recommended to dispose all flooded foodstuffs without any exceptions. The aim of the Inspection Authority is to prevent distribution of foodstuffs posing a risk to consumers’ health. However, in extraordinary situations like in this one, the inspectors try to be forthcoming. Similarly as during the spring floods in Moravia, they are now ready to advise the operators which foodstuffs are supposed to be disposed or help with proving damages for insurance companies.

After this year's floods on the Moravian territory, CAFIA inspectors checked almost 200 stores in the struck areas. Only sub-basements were flooded at the majority of operators or electricity was out of order for a short time which has no significant impact on the safety of foodstuffs on sale. However, water completely flooded 3 stores in Troubky and 2 mobile stalls in Teplice and Bečvou. Electricity was out of order in one store in Třinec for one and half day which resulted in disposal of 4,5 tonnes of foodstuffs.


Author: Mgr. Martina Šmídtová - CAFIA spokesperson, phone : +420-542426633