In these days, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) keeps watch on the situation on the market, namely in connection with diseases caused by toxin produced by bacteria Escherichia coli in Germany. Salad cucumbers from Spain are probably the originators of this toxin.

Last information obtained through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed shows that contaminated cucumbers at which the occurrence of this bacteria was confirmed were not re-exported to the CR from Germany.

CAFIA has latest information from the audio conference of DG SANCO available. According to the report of current epidemiological situation, the numbers of diseased in single EU countries are still being precised. The average age of the diseased is 40 years, as regards children and older people, the occurrence of the disease is low. No case of the disease caused by toxin produced by bacteria Escherichia coli has been registered in the CR yet

With regard to the significance of the whole case, CAFIA launched, within the precautionary principle, intensive monitoring of foodstuffs in question (salad cucumbers and randomly also further vegetables originating in Spain) in the retail network. If CAFIA finds such products, sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis will be carried out. CAFIA inspectors carry out the inspection in the retail network on the whole territory of the CR.

According to the new results of testing, two positive results at Spanish cucumber are confirmed as the source of the disease so far. There is a suspicion of cucumbers originating from the Netherlands and Denmark as well. Further results are expected on Monday. Representatives of Spain announced that there is no diarrhoea disease of this kind reported on their territory.

Based on the latest information, the majority of retail chains on our territory are now withdrawing the given commodity (cucumber from Spain) from their premises as a precaution. CAFIA is closely monitoring and verifying the situation at all chains and warehouses.

Any important information related to his case is further forwarded by the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) on a standard basis.

The Food Inspection Authority is ready to take measures immediately and inform the public in case of any threat of Czech consumers.