German health agency warns of hidden alcohol in baked goods

The Bundeszentrum für Ernährung (BZfE) alerts that alcohol can be used as a preservative or flavour additive in products not typically associated with alcohol, such as ready‑to‑bake rolls, croissants, ready‑made cakes, desserts, chocolates, grill sauces, salad dressings and ice cream. The agency advises consumers—especially pregnant or nursing women, children and people abstaining from alcohol—to scrutinise ingredient lists and ask bakers about alcohol content in unpackaged items. Terms to watch for include "Alkohol", "Ethanol", "Ethylalkohol", as well as names of spirits like brandy, rum, cognac, sherry or amaretto. Labels stating "alkoholfrei" may still contain up to 0.5 % alcohol; only products marked "0.0 % Alkohol" or "ohne Alkohol" truly contain none. Because alcohol does not fully evaporate during cooking, BZfE recommends avoiding it in meals for the vulnerable groups and suggests using fruit juices, vegetable broth, fresh herbs and spices as alternatives.