June 9, 2011

Czech Republic testing German beef, pork for E. Coli

The Czech Republic has started testing beef and pork imports from Germany for E. Coli, with plans to test around 30 samples of the foreign meat.

The country's health officials claim to have identified as many as six abattoirs or meat processing plants in the Republic that have imported German meat since May.

State Veterinary Administration, Josef Duben, said, "We tested 1,500 samples from various suppliers last year, which means this is nothing new. Meat imports from Germany have not stopped nor is its delivery being held up. In case of positive tests, we would determine the supplier and inform them about it."

All other member countries would also be immediately informed using the RASF fast warning system. We just want to be a step ahead, but we don't expect any problems," he said.