Food inspectors are identifying concerning trends

A toxic substance in infant formula, slush ice containing excessive amounts of glycerin, and “mystery boxes” have posed challenges for Saxony’s food inspectors over the past two years. Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) spoke of two eventful years during the presentation of the report for 2024 and 2025.

In December 2025, for example, authorities received a warning about contaminated infant formula. The discovery of the toxin cereulide was reported via the Europe-wide rapid alert system. This toxin can cause nausea and vomiting within a very short time. 

Since the toxin, which is produced by bacteria, cannot be removed after the fact, all affected products had to be taken off the market as quickly as possible, as Rüdiger Helling, head of food and feed monitoring at the Ministry of Health, explained. Through international cooperation, the authorities were able to identify the source of the contamination as a specific batch of an ingredient that the manufacturers sourced from China.

Glycerin in Slush Ice Pops Poses a Health Risk to Children

Helling reported on two other concerning trends. For example, with slush ice—a favorite among children—manufacturers have been offering a sugar-free version containing glycerin for several years. While this food additive is harmless to health in small amounts, it can lead to nausea, headaches, and loss of consciousness in excessive doses. 

In 2021 and 2022, young children in Scotland had to be hospitalized after consuming the drink. In Saxony as well, inspectors found excessive levels in 6 out of 19 tested samples of the sugar-free slush ice variant.

“Mystery box” retailers are failing to meet their obligations

Another problem was posed by so-called “mystery boxes,” which are mainly sold in vending machines. These are packages that contain, for example, returns from mail-order businesses or second-grade merchandise. Buyers pay a low price but do not know the contents of the package in advance.

The responsible authority inspected nine retailers; none fully complied with their legal obligations. For example, documentation was missing or the origin of the products was unclear. Seven retailers cooperated with the authority; for two, a hearing procedure was initiated.

16 percent of food samples found to be noncompliant

In 2025, a total of approximately 20,000 food samples were tested. The rejection rate was 16 percent, which is in line with previous years. Three-quarters of the rejections were due to labeling deficiencies and product presentation, while about one-sixth were due to contamination.