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The demand for alcohol-free wines is rapidly increasing, reflecting a growing health consciousness among consumers. Notable figures like Philipp Rössle of Kolonne Null and winemaker Johannes Trautwein are leading innovations in this sector. Rössle has focused on refining the quality of these wines since 2018, while Trautwein is tapping into a new, health-oriented market. Sales data reveals a remarkable 27% growth in the alcohol-free segment in 2023, with a staggering 54% increase in retail rev..

A recall has been issued for Wasabi Peanuts produced by Menken Orlando, specifically from batch number 24254, with a best before date of March 23, 2025. These snacks were sold at Norma stores across several German states, including North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse. The product poses a serious health risk due to undeclared mustard allergens, which can lead to severe allergic reactions such as hives, shortness of breath, and anaphylactic shock. Customers are urged to return the affected products..

Recent reports indicate that some wraps sold at Aldi and Penny supermarkets are contaminated with bacteria. An investigation by Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) revealed that certain wraps from these retailers contain harmful bacteria. An independent lab's analysis showed that an Aldi wrap had exceeded the warning level for Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Despite this, the sale of the wraps remains legally permissible. Aldi stated that no issues had been detected..

Diet plays a crucial role in influencing dementia risk alongside various lifestyle factors. Studies suggest that specific nutrients in a Mediterranean diet, like olive oil, can reduce harmful brain deposits. Additionally, foods rich in Stigmasterol, such as avocados and zucchinis, inhibit Alzheimer-related protein formation. Simple tests like picture-based dementia assessments can gauge personal risk. Moreover, lifestyle choices like avoiding light pollution and ensuring adequate sleep can lower..

Oktoberfest organizers are launching an initiative to increase the use of organic products at the festival. The focus is on analyzing feasible measures to have more organic vegetables, rice, spaetzle, sweets, cheese, milk, and meat. The Paulaner festival tent will test-run only organic chicken, and each tent will have at least one vegan dish and more vegetarian options. Public pressure is growing for Oktoberfest organizers to increase sustainability and use organic products. There is a debate..

The grape harvest for 2024 has kicked off in 13 German regions, revealing varying ripeness levels across different grape varieties. While early grapes like Müller-Thurgau have been harvested for sparkling wine, Burgundy grapes in the south are notably more mature. Rainfall has slowed down the main harvest, with winemakers now hoping for a calm autumn. Warm and humid conditions have posed challenges, especially for organic winemakers battling downy mildew. Despite the labor-intensive year marked..

A urgent product recall has been issued for the 'GUT&GÜNSTIG Delikatess-Geflügel-Fleischwurst' sold at Edeka and Marktkauf due to the risk of Salmonella and Listeria contamination. The sausage poses health risks such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Customers are advised not to consume the product as it could lead to foodborne illnesses. The recall also includes EDEKA snack balls due to potential metal contamination. Symptoms of Salmonella infection may manifest within 6-72 hours. Custo..

A significant recall is underway by Munich's Ludwig Stocker Hofpfisterei GmbH for its 'Pfister Öko-Schranne' farmer's breads due to potential plastic contamination from September 9, 2024. Both mail order and retail sales are affected, with consumers advised against consumption. Refunds are available, and there is assurance that other products are not contaminated. The bakery is taking proactive steps to address the issue promptly.

Recent reports show an increase in crab catches along the Lower Saxony coast and in the Netherlands, leading to a significant drop in prices. Despite lower catches in Schleswig-Holstein in August, the season was typically saved in September and October. German crab fishermen landed nearly 6,000 tons in 2023, down from the average of double that amount between 2000 and 2015. North Sea crabs are primarily processed in Morocco. Some northern restaurants either reduced crab dishes or hiked prices,..

Authorities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania have imposed 1,208 sanctions on eateries for hygiene breaches and menu mislabeling, with 8 criminal charges, 47 fines, and 1,153 requirements issued. The International Doner Association seeks EU recognition for doner as a traditional specialty, potentially outlawing veal, young beef, and turkey in its production. Despite over 1,200 violations in nearly 6,000 establishments, there are no plans for a 'doner price brake'. The industry and meat producers..

A nationwide recall of Darbo jam has been issued due to mold contamination, affecting products with specific best-before dates and batch numbers. Consumption poses health risks from mycotoxins, including cancer and organ damage, not eliminated by heat. The recall covers products sold at Kaufland, with warnings against consumption by the manufacturer. Simultaneously, a nationwide beer recall has also been announced. Consumers are advised not to eat the affected jam, as mycotoxins can lead to se..

A nationwide recall at Rewe involves products from the 'Feine Welt' private label due to nut allergy risks. Customers are urged not to consume affected spreads. Another recall concerns 'Sommerhell' beer due to potential gastrointestinal issues from spoilage. Customers are advised against consuming the beer due to unusual taste and odor, with potential health risks. The recall, affecting multiple batches of the beer, warns of possible microbial contamination, emphasizing symptoms like diarrhea..

Food prices in Germany have surged, with products like quark, ketchup, and canned goods experiencing up to a 70% increase. However, citrus fruits and apples buck the trend. Unpredictable price shifts are attributed to climate factors like droughts and heavy rainfall impacting production. Particularly notable are spikes in olive oil (+112.6%), sugar (+83.3%), and cookies (+77.4%). Conversely, carrots (-13.8%), onions, garlic (-13.7%), and frozen fruit (-13.1%) witnessed price drops. The market's..

Danone, a pioneer of the Nutri-Score in Germany, is removing the five-stage nutritional score from drinkable dairy products and plant-based drinks, as new calculations classify them as beverages, even though they are food items with fiber, protein and fruit/vegetables. This decision comes after changes to the calculation method resulted in what Danone describes as 'absurd' ratings. The Nutri-Score, a voluntary nutritional labeling system, rates food products on a five-stage scale based on fact..

Over 10 million displaced in Sudan with food production devastated, leading to widespread starvation and malnutrition. Donation efforts fall short as families resort to eating leaves and insects, struggling to secure even one meal a day. Aid operations face challenges navigating the conflict-ridden environment. The complex criteria of the 'Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)' make famine declaration arduous, while over 25 million Sudanese struggle to access adequate food, highl..

Germany's food retail sector achieved a new sales record of 204.5 billion euros, driven by major gains from discounters like Aldi and Lidl. Supermarkets Edeka and Rewe claimed a 42% market share, while smaller stores made up the remainder. The industry saw a decrease in the number of food stores, with 16,000 discounters and 12,200 supermarkets in operation. However, the sales growth lagged behind soaring food prices, which escalated by over 12%. Consumer behavior shifts due to changing crises..

Baladna GmbH issues a recall for 350-gram packages of 'Halva covered with pistachios' due to salmonella contamination, sold online in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse. Consumption may lead to salmonellosis, causing symptoms like diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, and fever. The affected batch number is 124 with a best-before date of 22.10.2025, posing severe risks, especially for children and the elderly.

Some food products like bake-off rolls, pizza dough, and sweets can contain traces of alcohol from natural fermentation. This ethanol, responsible for aroma and crust, is harmless and non-intoxicating. Similar small amounts are found in fruit juices and kefir. Calls for clearer labeling on products containing alcohol, including unprocessed foods, have emerged despite authorities noting no known negative effects. Advocates aim for transparency to aid consumer choice and harmonized EU-wide label..

A deadly Listeria outbreak in the US has been linked to canned pork, prompting recalls. The CDC is investigating and issuing recommendations. Listeria, a dangerous bacteria, spreads through contaminated food like deli meats. Symptoms are severe, especially in high-risk groups. Proper food handling is crucial to eliminate Listeria. Boar's Head products have been recalled due to contamination. The outbreak in Poland and swimming ban in Italy are also concerning. Inspection at the Boar's Head plant..

Rewe is recalling 'Ja! Cashewkerne 200g' with a best-before date of 'end of February 2025' due to possible glass shards in batch 58824. The company Johannes Kordt Handelskontor is recalling the product nationwide as a precaution to prevent serious injuries. Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the retailer for a full refund. Glass in the cashews can lead to injuries in the mouth, throat, and even internal bleeding. This recall underscores the importance of food..

Öko-Test discovered pollutants and pesticides in coffee pads, including organic ones, highlighting cultivation and wage issues. With 14 products failing, only one received a top grade due to critical pesticide levels. The concerns about drift and interactions are significant. Despite exceptions, such as Lidl's Fairglobe Faire Bio Kaffeepads Crema, most products faced criticism for pesticide residues and toxins, leading to a disappointing outcome in the tests.

As dairy cow and farm numbers decline, farmers face hardships from droughts and high costs. The scarcity of milk fat causes butter prices to surge to unprecedented levels. Industry experts predict further increases due to low milk volumes, reduced fat content, and high cheese demand. Retailers like Aldi Nord, Lidl, and Rewe may raise prices, with no relief in sight according to the milk industry. Wholesale prices already surpass 2022 records, hitting up to €7.95 per kilo. Consumers should brace..

Consumer protection chief Ramona Pop from the Federal Association criticizes the lack of transparency in food prices. An observatory at the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food is to analyze prices and costs along the supply chain to uncover unfair practices and protect customers from excessively high food prices. The consumer association demands that the federal government shed light on the price setting based on a feasibility analysis. The demand comes as complaints about high prices have..

The luxury dining scene in Berlin is experiencing a downturn, with five high-end restaurants closing in the past year. Chef Sebastian Frank of Horváth, which holds two Michelin stars, believes that the market has contracted after a period of growth from 2010 to 2020. The German hotel and restaurant association, DEHOGA, warns that one in ten restaurants in Germany closed in 2023 due to inflation and the increase in VAT from 7% to 19% following the pandemic. Gerrit Buchhorn, the managing director,..

A recent analysis by Foodwatch has revealed a concerning trend of high sugar content in children's drinks. This comes as the UK's soda tax has successfully reduced sugar consumption. While the federal government plans to implement a nutrition strategy, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) rejects the idea of a soda tax. The findings have led to calls for stricter regulations, including a soda tax and advertising restrictions, but industry associations and the FDP oppose these measures. Experts warn..

New research suggests that consuming red, processed meat, and poultry may elevate the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that processed meat and unprocessed red meat could lead to a 15% and 10% higher risk, respectively. While the evidence on poultry is less conclusive with an 8% higher risk, the overall association remains significant. Dietary guidelines now emphasize the importance of replacing these meats with alternatives like legumes and tofu to mitigate diabetes risk. A..

Greenpeace is calling on supermarkets to accelerate the transition to higher animal welfare standards in meat production. The organization is urging supermarkets to ban cheap meat from stage 1 and to align their private labeling system with a future state-mandated animal welfare labeling system, which will have five stages. By 2025, fresh pork is expected to be mandatory under the new system. Greenpeace has conducted an assessment of supermarket labeling and found that 82.5% of meat comes from..

Perdue Foods LLC has recalled over 165,000 pounds of frozen chicken nuggets and tenders packaged on March 23, 2024, due to potential metal contamination. The affected products bear establishment number "P-33944" and were distributed nationwide. Despite no reported illnesses, consumers are advised to discard or return the items. Perdue is offering full refunds for impacted products, including Perdue Breaded Chicken Tenders, Butcher Box Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets, and Perdue Simply Smart Org..