Shortages in food supplies - Food inspection: 22 holdings with serious deficiencies
Rotten food, pests in the kitchen, bacteria in food, or misleading labels - 12,553 Thuringian businesses were inspected by state food safety authorities last year. In 8% of these businesses - a total of 1,028 - inspectors found deficiencies. According to the 2023 report of the official food safety control, presented by Minister of Social Affairs Heike Werner (Left) in Erfurt, along with results on technical consumer protection.
In 22 businesses, the violations were so severe that they had to temporarily close. In 2022, there were only 13. Overall, the inspections of food, cosmetics, or tobacco products led to more criminal charges and fines. In 42 cases, criminal charges were filed, compared to 28 in the previous year. The number of fines imposed on businesses increased by 54 to 215.
Generational change in food safety
With around 23,500, the number of food inspections in Thuringia was roughly at the level of the first COVID year 2020, but significantly below the pre-pandemic level. In 2019, there were around 34,600 inspections, and a decline in inspections was already noticeable in the previous years. Werner attributed this to an impending generational change in food safety, especially in municipalities, and expected positions to be filled again soon. Regarding the number of inspections, Werner said, "We're gradually building that back up."
Most of the criticized cases, according to the minister, were formal issues such as missing or inaccurate labeling of additives in food. This is also important because many people have a food intolerance. There were problems with additives, for example, in spaghetti with duck or liver sausage.
Werner pointed out that consumers can also directly report products to the authorities if they suspect defects or a health risk. This happened 63 times last year. "Be brave, use this opportunity," she said.
Nine out of ten learning towers failed
The minister also reported poor results from the testing of learning towers by the State Office for Consumer Protection: The devices, intended to help small children handle tables or worktops in kitchens, were often unsafe. Ten different models were examined by experts, and only one was flawless. Nine of the small towers did not meet safety requirements, and in six cases, the necessary stability was missing.
All learning towers were ordered online. Online trading is seen as a particular challenge by the technical consumer protection, according to Werner. While German manufacturers usually react promptly to negative test results, this is often more difficult with manufacturers, especially those based outside the EU.
From smoothie makers to extension cords
According to Werner, the Thuringian State Office tests various products each year that are subjected to testing. They are bought online or in stationary trade. Last year, among others, smoothie makers, extension cords, electric hotplates, FFP2 masks, and fireworks were examined. Such technical tests are not legally required but are in the interest of consumer protection.
Many defects were also found in the inspection of extension cords, which are commonly used for camping or cooking to bring power to a specific location. Out of the seven models tested, all ordered online, six had formal defects such as missing prescribed labels. Two models also had technical defects, including one that also exhibited formal defects.
Out of eleven smoothie makers, seven were free of defects. Of the 139 FFP2 masks tested, 24 were defective. Upon inspecting 2,352 pyrotechnic items in retail, no major complaints were found.
In some cases, food monitoring by authorities can reveal issues with the proper labeling of additives in food, which is important for individuals with food intolerances. Consumers can report suspect products directly to the authorities to ensure food safety.
With regards to learning towers, only one out of ten models tested by the State Office for Consumer Protection met the safety requirements, highlighting the importance of food monitoring in ensuring product safety, especially for items purchased online.
