Germany food safety inspections expose illegal labor, hygiene breaches and mineral‑water bacterial recall

Authorities in Gütersloh, North‑Rhine Westphalia, inspected 16 gastronomy and retail businesses, uncovering illegal employment, tax irregularities, illegal e‑cigarettes, expired meat stored in freezers, and severe hygiene deficiencies such as rodent droppings and uncooled meat in cellar rooms. The inspections involved the customs office, city order office, food safety authority, tax investigation unit, immigration office and police, resulting in administrative, criminal and tax proceedings.

Separately, German officials identified bacterial contamination in two varieties of the Raffelberger mineral‑water brand. The affected products – Raffelberger Medium (0.75 L glass) and Raffelberger Klassik (0.7 L in 12‑packs) – were withdrawn from retailers such as REWE and EDEKA, with refunds offered even without a receipt. The recall follows laboratory tests that detected unspecified bacteria, prompting warnings to consumers.

Both incidents highlight ongoing food‑safety monitoring in Germany and the rapid response mechanisms employed to protect public health.