Similarly as in the previous year, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority carried out an extensive inspection of sale of packaged filled baguettes, rolls, buns, various sandwiches etc. During these inspections, the inspectors aimed at stalls and shops with snacks situated near bus or train stations, petrol stations and also at selling self-service machines. In total, 173 inspections were carried out at 111 inspected persons. 274 samples were assessed, out of which 30 showed some deficiencies.

The inspectors checked storage conditions for filled baguettes directly at the place of sale; similarly as delicatessen products, they have to be stored in refrigerators. Non-complying storage conditions were detected in 9 cases; products were either stored completely outside the refrigerator or that equipment was out of order. The inspectors further verified the quality of the samples taken, i.e. whether the products contained for example rotten raw materials such as vegetables or sausage. Labelling was checked as well. Rotten raw materials were revealed only in one case, however, deficiencies in labelling were found in 19 cases. Labelling of some products failed to indicate for example information on the storage temperatures or the ingredients of the product were not ordered downwards. Information on the weight or on the producer was sometimes missing. In case where an ingredient was emphasized in the name of the product, information on the specific content of such ingredient in the product was not specified etc. One sample was further stored and labelled inappropriately.

Out of the total amount, 30 samples were taken to the laboratory for microbiological analyses. For similar cases, legislation lays down the limit for bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and if the product in question contains also eggs, then also the limit for bacteria Salmonella. However, the laboratory analyses did not reveal them in any of the samples. All samples analysed were thus assessed as safe.

Foodstuffs with quality deficiencies, inappropriately labelled or stored were banned. Administrative procedure will be initiated with all sellers at whom violation of legislation was detected.