This report describes the outcome of an FVO specific audit in the Czech Republic, which took place from 15 to 24 June 2010, as part of the general audit of the Czech Republic carried out under the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official food and feed controls.

The specific audit evaluated the food safety control systems in place governing the production and placing on the market of poultry meat and poultry meat products, in the light of the Czech Republic's multi-annual national control plan.

The audit found that the facilities visited were all under the official control of the Competent Authority and approved (establishments) or registered (farms). They were regularly inspected and audited in general in accordance with the multi-annual national control plan and EU legislation. There are written guidelines for the performance of official controls in most areas prepared and published by the State Veterinary Administration. However, not all official control are carried out in accordance with documented procedures as required by Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004.

The audit team noted that the situation in the poultry establishments was generally positive, although there were some shortcomings. These related primarily to: implementation of the approval procedure; implementation of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plans; deficiencies at establishment level that had not previously been reported in any of the Competent Authority reports and the absence of the obligation for official controls to cover all parts of the establishment in order to evaluate their compliance with all requirements of Regulations (EC) Nos 852/2004 and 853/2004.

The audit concludes that there is a documented control system for poultry meat and poultry meat products in place which is generally compliant with EU rules. The system is generally effective and implemented by the Competent Authority in all regions visited and official controls in the sector are well organised with responsibilities clearly defined. However, the CA needs to address certain identified shortcomings if confidence in the Czech system of official controls in the poultry sector is to be maintained.

The report makes a number of recommendations to the Czech Republic competent authorities, aimed at rectifying the shortcomings identified and enhancing the implementing and control measures in place.

Further Reading

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