Document 166 - Written interpellation by E. Šrámková to M. Šebestyán concerning the contamination of infant formula with the cereulide toxin – the role of SZPI as the national RASFF contact point and the failure of the consumer protection system

The document contains a written interpellation to the Minister of Agriculture regarding the contamination of infant formula with the cereulid toxin and the possible failure of the consumer protection system in the Czech Republic. The questions focus in particular on the role of the State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) as the contact point for the RASFF system, delays in informing the public, controls on recalled products and the responsibility of manufacturers. In its reply, the ministry states that most of the recalls were preventive, companies have complied with their obligations according to the available information, and SZPI has carried out dozens of inspections and laboratory tests. At the same time, the Czech Republic supports further investigations at EU level and the possible introduction of mandatory testing of infant formula for cereulicide toxin.