There have been a number of clues that such a directive would be issued. “The [relations with the] Czech Republic have been smouldering for a long time. This is due in part to political issues,” said Deputy Prime Minister Janusz Piechocinski.
The gauntlet has been thrown on the issue. “One of the major politicians took it upon himself to remove great quality Polish food from a Czech supermarket. We have taken the appropriate action on this subject,” Piechocinski said.
Environment Minister Marek Sawicki has appealed to Polish food producers to sue over the issue. The Minister said that the Association of Food Processers and Producers may commence lawsuits over the unfair treatment of Polish products by Czech authorities.
“For many years, Czech authorities have employed dishonest practices in their war against Polish foodstuffs – including several bad-publicity campaigns,” Minister Sawicki said.
“I have never heard of any Czech national who has died after consuming Polish food products. On the other hand a number of Poles were poisoned by Czech alcohol products sold not only in the country, but also in Poland.”
Minister Sawicki also sees a silver lining in this latest turn of events. “There is no better recommendation for Polish products than [this] Czech control,” he said.
The Czech directive was sent to all food inspection facilities in the country by the head of the Czech Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority, Jindrich Pokora.
