# Öko-Test vegetable broth pesticide investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ko-test-vegetable-broth-pesticide-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-14T20:20:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

A study by the consumer magazine Öko-Test investigating 27 different vegetable broths and bouillons has revealed significant pesticide contamination in conventional, non-organic products. The investigation found that almost all conventional varieties contained at least one, and often multiple, pesticide residues. One specific Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd private label product was found to contain traces of four different pesticides.

Of particular concern was the detection of Clothianidin, a pesticide that has not been authorized for use in the European Union for several years. Other identified substances included Difenoconazole, which is suspected of being carcinogenic, and Pyraclostrobin, which is classified as potentially toxic to reproduction. Testers noted that the risks of these pesticide mixtures are not sufficiently researched.

In addition to chemical residues, the study criticized several products for high salt content and the use of added flavors or sugar. Organic products performed significantly better than conventional ones; all 17 organic products tested achieved a rating of at least ‘good’, while only two conventional products received a ‘good’ rating.

## Claims

- Öko-Test laboratory tested 27 dry vegetable broths and bouillons from organic supermarkets, discounters, and drugstores. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- All 17 organic broths tested achieved a rating of at least 'good'. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Five conventional products received ratings of 'unsatisfactory' or 'insufficient'. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two broths contained traces of Clothianidin, a pesticide that has not been authorized in the EU for several years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Knorr Bio Gemüse-Bouillon and Rewe Bio Gemüsebrühe with 20 percent vegetables both received 'very good' ratings. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Knorr Bio Gemüse-Bouillon had the highest vegetable content at 32.5 percent. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Almost all conventional vegetable broths contained at least one, and often multiple, pesticide residues. (single source)
- Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd's private label 'Le Gusto Klare Gemüsebrühe' contained four different pesticide traces. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Öko-Test finds pesticide residues in conventional vegetable broths

An Öko-Test study of 27 vegetable broths found that organic products consistently outperformed conventional ones, which often contained pesticide residues, including unauthorized substances.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-test-finds-pesticide-residues-in-conventional-vegetable-broths-1

### 2026-09-24: Öko-Test finds pesticide residues in conventional vegetable broths

An Öko-Test investigation of 27 vegetable broths found pesticide residues in nearly all conventional products, with some containing multiple substances and others exceeding salt limits.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ko-test-finds-pesticide-residues-in-conventional-vegetable-broths

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Cite as: Öko-Test vegetable broth pesticide investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ko-test-vegetable-broth-pesticide-investigation