updated on 10.09.2026
Essential oils – the BfR takes a position
The BfR highlights potential health risks associated with essential oils and underscores the importance of careful evaluation and control of their constituents.
updated on 09.09.2026
Dried herbs: Salmonella remain a relevant risk
A study by the CVUA Karlsruhe shows: Dried herbs and leafy spices can also contain Salmonella and can pose a microbiological risk, particularly in products that are not subsequently heat-treated.
updated on 08.09.2026
Safety Gate Cosmetics Evaluation - August 2026
The Safety Gate notifications from August 2026 show how important risk-based controls of cosmetics are for detecting prohibited substances and contaminants and for ensuring compliance with declared product properties.
updated on 07.09.2026
Bisphenol A in canned foods
ÖKO-TEST finds high bisphenol levels in numerous canned food products tested — despite stricter EU requirements for food contact materials.
updated on 03.09.2026
Protection against misleading environmental claims – EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024/825 – implementation deadline is approaching
The EmpCo Directive (EU) 2024/825 tightens the requirements for environmental claims and sustainability labels as of 27 September 2026 and is intended to better protect consumers from misleading 'Green Claims'.
updated on 03.09.2026
STEC/EHEC in raw milk cheese: Microbiological safety in focus
A serious EHEC case in Italy highlights the potential risks of raw milk products and the importance of consistent microbiological monitoring.
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updated on 03.09.2026
Ready meals: study shows risk from cross-contamination and cereulide
A recent study shows that microorganisms and the toxin cereulide produced by certain Bacillus cereus strains can be transferred between different components of ready-to-eat meals. Higher storage temperatures and longer storage times in particular can promote microbial growth and toxin formation.
read more – Ready meals: study shows risk from cross-contamination and cereulide
updated on 02.09.2026
Arsenic in rice and rice products – why regular monitoring is important
Rice and rice products can contain comparatively high levels of inorganic arsenic – regular testing helps manufacturers and retailers detect contamination early and ensure compliance with applicable maximum limits.
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updated on 01.09.2026
European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) - Planned revision of the microbiological requirements for non-sterile medicinal products
The Ph. Eur. plans to revise key microbiological requirements for non-sterile medicinal products — stakeholders may comment on the drafts until 30 September 2026.
updated on 31.08.2026
The microbiology of shelf life – what actually happens during the best-before period?
How a food product develops microbiologically over its shelf life depends on numerous factors – targeted shelf-life testing and storage studies help to reliably assess product stability and safety.
read more – The microbiology of shelf life – what actually happens during the best-before period?