In connection with the peak sales of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables, the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA) draws the attention of consumers and sellers to the fact that it is mandatory to indicate the country of origin and the name of the type of fruit and vegetables, or, in the case of selected types, the quality class and variety according to specific marketing standards. This information has to be made available to the consumer, for example by means of an information sign.

Given that in previous seasons CAFIA inspectors detected a number of cases where information about the country of origin was completely missing or incorrectly stated during the sale, checks on this obligation are intensively carried out in this season as well. Confusing the country of origin is considered to be misleading the consumer. Sellers are obliged to show acquisition documents at the time of inspection and, through the traceability system, CAFIA inspectors can verify the origin of the goods back to the grower.

In addition to these labelling obligations, sellers of fresh fruit and vegetables have to ensure that their goods are:

• Undamaged
• Healthy (products affected by rotting or deterioration to the extent that it is unfit for consumption are not allowed)
• Clean (essentially free from visible foreign substances)
• Substantially free from pests
• Substantially free from damage caused by pests and affecting the flesh
• Free from excessive surface moisture
• Free from foreign smell and/or taste.

Hygiene requirements for the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables are also subject to inspection.

Article by: Pavel Kopřiva – CAFIA Spokesperson, phone: +420 542 426 633 
20^th June 2024

Source: Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority | Notice to retailers and information for consumers: indicating country of origin is mandatory for fresh fruit and vegetables (gov.cz)