German consumer watchdog warns shoppers about mislabeled herb plants

The Verbraucherzentrale Sachsen (VZ Sachsen) cautions that not all potted herbs sold in supermarkets are suitable for eating. Some plants, such as basil, mint or wild rue, may be grown as ornamental varieties and treated with pesticides that are permitted for decorative plants but prohibited in food production. Consequently, they must be sold only as decorative, not edible, items.

Consumers should check the product’s placement, labeling and symbols. Edible herbs are typically displayed in the fruit‑and‑vegetable aisle and bear clear markings such as “zum Verzehr geeignet” (suitable for consumption), a fork‑and‑knife icon, origin information, a bio‑seal and a control‑number (e.g., DE‑ÖKO‑0XX). Non‑edible plants carry a crossed‑out fork‑and‑knife symbol. VZ Sachsen’s nutrition expert Verena Müller says the current labeling practice can be misleading, adding that “a small formal hint on the banderole is insufficient if it is not immediately understandable and visible.”