Inspectors from the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) in Prague found 30 kilograms of unfit meat at an Oriental restaurant on Opletalová Street in the city center. The products, which could not be traced back to their origin, included chicken cuts, semi-finished chicken products, beef, and lamb fat. Some of the food had also exceeded its expiration date.
According to Petr Majer, a spokesperson for the veterinary administration, inspectors found a package of five kilograms of chicken meat with a “best before” date of June 7th. The meat was marked with paint on-site and ordered to be disposed of at a sanitation facility.
The restaurant could face a fine of up to CZK 50 million ($2.2 million) for violating food laws. The incident raises concerns about food safety and quality control at restaurants and highlights the importance of regular inspections.
This is not the only instance of food safety violations in the Czech Republic. In 2018, the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority found that 40% of inspected restaurants and grocery stores in the country violated food safety regulations. The same year, the SVS found harmful substances in popular food products, including baby food and tea.
The Czech government has taken steps to improve food safety and quality control in recent years, but incidents like the one at the Oriental restaurant in Prague show that there is still work to be done.
Consumers can protect themselves by being aware of food safety regulations, checking expiration dates, and reporting any suspected violations to the authorities. By taking these precautions, consumers can help ensure their food is safe and healthy for consumption.