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FOOD SAFETY IN COOPERATION WITH RASFF SYSTEM
ŘÍHA, Michal
Summary The primary aim of this study is the definition of the function of the RASFF system, established in the Czech Republic based on the Regulation No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Secondary aim is the analysis of the most frequently occurring notifications and hazardous foods available in the Czech market. The Czech Republic became a full member of the European Union on 1 May 2004. Hence, it has decided to adopt Community rules and to become part of the common European market. This decision also entails a need to respect all commitments resulting from acquis communautaire. One of the basic commitments laid down in the Treaty establishing European Community is that to guarantee high level of health protection and to strengthen consumer protection. Basic legal framework in the EU, as well as in the Czech Republic, is provided by Regulation No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council. It covers all stages of production, processing and distribution of food and feed (the food chain) and as a key principle identifies risk analysis {--} a process consisting of three components: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication. The legal basis for the European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, specifically Articles 50 {--} 52. In the Czech Republic, it is defined in Act No. 110/1997 Coll., on foodstuffs and tobacco products, as subsequently amended, and in Act No. 91/1996 Coll., on feedstuffs, as subsequently amended, and in more details it is governed by Government Regulation No. 98/2005 Coll., establishing rapid alert system on emergence of risk of threatening human health by food and feed, which came into force on 1 March 2005. Individual members of the RASFF network in the Czech Republic is the CAFIA, which is at the same time the National Contact Point, Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture, public health protection bodies, veterinary administration bodies, customs services, State Office for Nuclear Safety, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Agriculture. The CAFIA plays two roles in the system. On one hand, it is a state body supervising compliance with obligations laid down by the Food Act, on the other hand, pursuant to Article 15(4) of this Act, it is the National Contact Point (NCP) for the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) in the Czech Republic. In 2005, the CAFIA received 51 notifications through NCP; of this, 24 (47%) fell within CAFIA competencies which ensured their investigation in the field and through additional notification informed back on the results. The Czech Trade Inspection participated in investigation of one case. A total of 38 notifications regarding market inspection were sent from the Czech Republic through NCP; of this, 31 cases (82%) arose from CAFIA inspection activities. In connection with import controls of food and raw materials originating in third countries, NCP notified 7 cases of consignments rejected on borders and not placed on the market. The CAFIA is involved in these cases together with customs services in accordance with agreement on mutual collaboration and cooperation, concluded between the CAFIA and the General Directorate of Customs.
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