Czech hygiene and environmental safety concerns reported

In Plzeň, the State Agricultural and Food Inspection (SZPI) has closed the Pod Kopcem inn following a inspection that revealed severe hygiene failures. Findings included the presence of rodent droppings, mold in the facility and cooling equipment, neglected cleaning, and corroded shelving. The inspection noted that the layout of the storage areas prevented proper hygienic practices, posing a risk of food contamination.

Separately, an environmental investigation by the organization Arnika near a landfill in Čáslav has revealed soil and dust contamination. Testing of dust on access roads showed high concentrations of heavy metals, including lead levels significantly exceeding limits for residential or agricultural areas. Furthermore, samples of eggs from local free-range poultry contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exceeding European limits, as well as elevated levels of DDT, hexachlorobenzene, and pentachlorobenzene compared to supermarket eggs. The landfill operator, AVE CZ, stated they will review the findings with specialists.