Prague, Czech Republic – Inspectors from the State Veterinary Administration (SVS) in Prague recently made a concerning discovery at an Oriental restaurant located on Opletalová Street in the city center. During their inspection, they uncovered approximately 30 kilograms of unfit meat, including chicken cuts, semi-finished chicken products, beef, and lamb fat. The origin of these products could not be traced, and some of the food had exceeded its expiration date.

Petr Majer, a spokesperson for the veterinary administration, revealed that among the findings was a package of five kilograms of chicken meat with a “best before” date of June 7th. The inspectors promptly marked the meat with paint on-site and ordered its disposal at a sanitation facility.

The restaurant now faces the possibility of a hefty fine, potentially reaching up to CZK 50 million ($2.2 million) for violating food laws. This incident sheds light on the critical issue of food safety and quality control within the restaurant industry, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case in the Czech Republic. In 2018, the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority reported that 40% of the restaurants and grocery stores inspected in the country were found to be in violation of food safety regulations. The same year, the SVS discovered harmful substances in popular food products, including baby food and tea.

While the Czech government has taken steps to improve food safety and quality control in recent years, incidents like the one at the Oriental restaurant in Prague serve as a reminder that more work needs to be done.

To safeguard their well-being, consumers can play an active role by familiarizing themselves with food safety regulations, diligently checking expiration dates, and promptly reporting any suspected violations to the authorities. By taking these necessary precautions, consumers can contribute to ensuring that the food they consume is safe and healthy. Additionally, ongoing efforts from regulatory bodies and establishments are imperative to address the gaps in food safety practices and protect the public’s health.

Article by Prague Forum