Saxony stops 44 deliveries of counterfeit food

The State Directorate of Saxony classified 44 deliveries of alleged foodstuffs as counterfeit medicines last year. The goods were seized, as announced by the state directorate (LDS). Honey, herbal pastes and drinking chocolates were affected. These contained sexual enhancers in 29 cases and appetite suppressants in 15 cases.

Together with the main customs office in Dresden, consumers were protected from foodstuffs that had been illegally mixed with active pharmaceutical ingredients, emphasized LDS President Béla Bélafi. "These products can cause damage to health. In Germany, medicines with the active ingredients found are subject to approval and prescription and are only used under medical supervision."

Pharmacists and laboratories check suspicious deliveries

Suspicious foodstuffs from non-EU countries are identified and taken into custody by officials from the main customs office in Dresden. Pharmacists from the Saxony State Directorate then carry out an exact examination and classification of the products. If necessary, a laboratory is commissioned to carry out an examination. If the products contain undeclared, harmful sexual enhancers or appetite suppressants, they are classified as counterfeit medicines and seized. The public prosecutor's office then decides whether to open criminal proceedings.