Czech Republic – Recent inspections conducted by the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) revealed concerning findings related to olive oil and meat products. In an evaluation focusing on the quality of olive oils in the domestic market, it was discovered that two-thirds of the samples were non-compliant, failing to meet the requirements of European legislation.
The SZPI investigation, although the Czech Republic is not a producer of olive oil, included samples from Spain, Italy, and Greece. Out of the 21 samples evaluated, 14 were deemed unsatisfactory. Ten samples labeled as extra virgin were found to be of lower quality, with two matching the category of lampante oil, meant for further processing and not retail sale. In six cases, deficiencies in labeling were also identified.
The aim of the inspection was to assess whether extra virgin and virgin olive oils from different countries adhered to EU regulations in terms of physical, chemical, and sensory parameters, as well as labeling requirements. The SZPI emphasized that misleading product labels contribute to a misconception among domestic consumers.
In addition to the olive oil concerns, SZPI issued a warning regarding frozen goose meat contaminated with Salmonella. The product, originating from Hungary via Germany, bears the lot code 231330, produced by Tranzit-Food Kft, with a best-before date of Sept. 30, 2025. SZPI has ordered a market withdrawal and urged consumers to refrain from consuming the implicated batch.
The agency also reported earlier findings of Salmonella in chilled chicken meat from Ukraine via Slovakia and urged caution among consumers.
SZPI has taken strict measures, instructing sellers to withdraw non-compliant lots from the market and initiating proceedings to impose fines on violators.
In a separate incident in December, the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) uncovered the illicit sale of meat products on Facebook. Prague veterinary inspectors, in collaboration with the police, confiscated over 180 kilograms of food of unknown origin. The SVS emphasized that selling food of unknown origin could result in hefty fines, up to Czech Koruna 50 million ($2.2 million). Authorities are taking legal actions against the suspects involved in these cases.