There were 311 recalls in 2022 on the “www.lebensmittelwarning.de” portal of the federal states and the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).

“More than ever before.”

Dr. Georg Schreiber, Head of the Federal Office's Food Safety Department

Most important reason for food warnings

In more than a third, microbiological contamination was the reason for the warning. The main cause was salmonella, 47 times. It is particularly dangerous for children and older people to become infected with these pathogenic bacteria.

Warning reasons 2022, graphic: Lebensmttelwarning.de
Warning reasons 2022, graphic: Lebensmttelwarning.de, Wiese / BVL

Last year, foods were recalled 108 times due to microbiological contamination. The causes can be varied: bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter or E.coli, mold or even viruses. These microorganisms can already occur in living livestock and then enter the food chain via the slaughter process, raw milk, etc. It is also possible that contamination occurs during the harvesting, manufacturing and processing, storage or trading of food. The germs repeatedly lead to serious gastrointestinal infections.

Companies comply with reporting obligations

Dr. Georg Schreiber takes stock after more than ten years at the portal:

“The recent increase in reports on thefoodwarning.de portal shows that companies and retailers are complying with their legal reporting obligations and are thus contributing to the high level of food safety in Germany.”

There has been a steady increase in reports in recent years - 2022 (311), 2021 (282), 2020 (273).

“But this does not mean that food in Germany has become less safe.”

Dr. George Schreiber

More reports = more food safety

Rather, the reasons that lead to an increase in reports and ultimately an increase in food safety are:

  • Companies are less hostile to recalls these days. Public recalls are now seen as part of responsible management that also demonstrates trustworthiness.
  • Due to technical progress, analysis and testing methods have developed to such an extent that even the slightest contamination can now be detected.
  • Furthermore, the reduction in maximum permissible quantities also leads to more reports and, overall, to greater health protection.
MIMIKAMA

Source:

BVL Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety
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