After the recent food scandals and product recalls Nutrition Minister Julia Klöckner (CDU) takes the federal states for checks in the duty. "I value the fact that countries always emphasize their responsibility here, that they also live up to their responsibilities with sufficient staff for this task," Klöckner told the "Bild" newspaper.
"As a Confederation, I want to know where the weaknesses are on the ground, and countries must be prepared to talk about focusing more and pooling responsibilities to streamline food control."
According to "Bild" Klöckner wants to convene a round with all country agriculture ministries. "I ask for speedy clarification, so that such cases, which endanger the health of our citizens, do not repeat themselves."
- The large dairy dealer Deutsches Milchkontor (DMK) and the company Fude + Serrahn had removed certain packs of low-fat fresh milk from the German market. In a sample bacteria have been found that can trigger diarrhea, said the DMK on Friday in Bremen. According to the competent dairy, the cause of the contamination was a defective seal.
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- In Hessen, since the beginning of October, the factory of the manufacturer Wilke Waldecker Fleisch- und Wurstwaren has been closed after repeated listeria has been detected in its products. On Friday, the Robert Koch Institute had confirmed a third death by Listeria germs.
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- French cheese maker Le Moulis has warned German consumers about several varieties of its raw milk cheese. It could contain harmful bacteria. Affected by the products sold in several states at the bar "Moulis vache", "Moulis vache prestige" and "Bethmale de marterat," the company said.
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Only 42 percent of registered companies are controlled
The Federal Association of food inspectors in Germany called for a higher number of inspectors in the authorities. "As a federal association, we naturally advocate more staff to carry out official food surveillance effectively and comprehensively," said Maik Maschke, deputy federal chairman of the association. The control numbers were last dropped every year. "Last year, we were able to control nearly 42 percent of all registered companies," says Maschke.
The local food inspection authorities are responsible for the inspection. "From the manufacturer to the grocery store, all 1.2 million registered companies are subject to official supervision," explained Maschke. "The control works basically so that we come unannounced."
"The food in Germany is safe," said Maschke. But what you should look for when shopping is food that needs to be refrigerated - and products that have been conspicuous in recent years in the statistics: for example, dairy, meat and fish.
Are expensive foods, such as organic products, safer than conventional ones? The inspector said: "Even expensive food can be objected to - for example because of labeling defects." Even conventional foods could be very good in terms of food safety.
