German supermarkets face scrutiny over food freshness and labeling

Recent investigations into German supermarket practices highlight distinctions between food freshness, labeling, and manufacturing methods used by major retailers like Edeka and Aldi.

Regarding fresh counters, regulations distinguish between the 'best-before date' (MHD) and the 'use-by date.' While the former indicates quality, the latter is mandatory for highly perishable items like minced meat or fresh fish, after which sale is prohibited. Consumers can request results from recent food inspections through the Consumer Information Act.

In the bakery sector, legal disputes have emerged regarding the term 'baking.' The Central Association of the German Bakery Trade previously sued Aldi Süd over advertising claims. While Aldi uses automated machines to heat doughlings—often imported and containing additives—the association argued that true baking requires manual craftsmanship and registration in the artisan register. Under consumer protection guidelines, packaged bread with a best-before date is generally not classified as 'fresh' regardless of its production date.