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27.07.2025 - Foods

01/08/2025 - European Rapid Alert System - Muscimol in Gummy Candies

In 2024, there was an increase in notifications of sweets containing the psychoactive substance muscimol in the RASFF (European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed). Muscimol is a mushroom toxin found, for example, in the fly agaric.

In Germany, six cases of gummy candies were reported, in which muscimol was detected. The sweets appeared visually inconspicuous and could be particularly dangerous for children. Even small amounts of the toxin can lead to hallucinations, disorientation, or even severe poisoning. The products were withdrawn from the market.

The RASFF reports potentially harmful food, feed, and food contact materials. In Germany, the BVL (Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety) is the national contact point. The BVL is responsible for transmitting notifications from the German surveillance authorities to the European Commission.

With 623 notifications in 2024, Germany ranks second after the Netherlands in terms of notifications. The notifications mostly concerned food in 91% of the cases. For example, pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and dried fruits or salmonella in poultry meat were increasingly detected.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for residues and contaminants as well as salmonella. Our customer advisors are very happy to assist with any questions.

Source:

• www.bvl.bund.de