Hygiena 2014, 59(4):198-200 | DOI: 10.21101/hygiena.a1315

Mission from the Food and Veterinary Office [Preparedness for Crisis Scenarios in Food SafetyA report from the Regional Public Health Office of the Central Bohemia Region]

Ivo Krýsa, Josef Hrdina, Jindra Taterová, Šárka Nováková

Krajská hygienická stanice Středočeského kraje se sídlem v Praze, Odbor hygieny výživy a PBU

The following report from the Prague-based Regional Public Health Office of the Central Bohemia Region, commissioned by the Food and Veterinary Office (European Commission) presents the results of research into the existing levels of preparedness in the event of emergencies related to food safety or animal feed. Auditors conducted a detailed survey of crisis management procedures and their application in practice at the Regional Public Health Office of the Central Bohemia Region. One of the objects of the assignement was to observe the methods for managing an epidemic of salmonellosis involving communication with other institutions concerned, in this case the Regional Veterinary Administration or health care facilities responsible for hospitalization of patients. The results of the assignement showed that the Regional Public Health Office of the Central Bohemia Region is well prepared for emergencies and crisis management arrangements are well established and constantly updated. Established procedures are followed in the event of epidemic incidence of alimentary disease. The Regional Public Health Office of the Central Bohemia Region is capable of dealing with with extraordinary crises such as floods or outbreaks of methanol poisoning, which necessitate rapid deployment of material and human resources for the fastest possible crisis management.

Keywords: public health authority, food safety

Received: July 2014; Accepted: November 6, 2014; Published: December 1, 2014  Show citation