News
27.05.2025 - Foods
Importedsoftdrinkswithtoomanyadditives–CVUAKarlsruheuncoversviolations
Exotic, colorful, trendy – and sometimes overdosed: Refreshing drinks from around the world enjoy great popularity in Germany. However, not all products comply with the EU's legal requirements. The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Office (CVUA) Karlsruhe investigated over 1,500 refreshing drinks in 2024 – with concerning results: Eleven samples showed excesses in permitted maximum levels of additives like benzoic acid, cyclamate or caffeine. Ten of these came from third countries.
Increased complaints about imported goods
13% of the tested products were criticized due to various violations, mainly due to incorrect labeling. Substance violations – that is, exceeding maximum levels or prohibited additives – were found in eleven cases (0.7%). This represents a slight increase compared to previous years (2022: 0.2%; 2023: 0.3%).
A large part of the conspicuous drinks came from the Asian and North American region. Many countries of origin allow higher amounts of additives – or do not have limits at all.
Benzoic acid far above EU limits
The preservative benzoic acid was particularly noticeable: In seven samples, the EU maximum limit of 150 mg/l was exceeded – sometimes up to 544 mg/l. For comparison: In Japan, 600 mg/kg are allowed, in the USA, benzoic acid is considered harmless (“GRAS”), with a recommended maximum level of 1,000 mg/l.
Three samples exceeded 500 mg/l – with a consumption of 600 ml, an adult weighing 60 kg would already reach the ADI value.
Too much cyclamate and caffeine
One sample exceeded the allowable value of 250 mg/l cyclamate with a content of 322 mg/l.
There were also anomalies with caffeine: Six energy drinks contained between 351 and 407 mg/l – a maximum of 320 mg/l is allowed. Too high amounts can lead to sleep disorders, heart rhythm disturbances, or nausea.
Prohibited substances found
In two samples, unauthorized substances were used: brominated vegetable oil (BVO) and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. Both are banned in the EU, BVO has also been withdrawn from the market in the USA and Japan. Studies show potential harmful effects, such as on the thyroid and organs.
Labeling deficiencies
In addition to the content deficiencies, the CVUA also criticizes the labeling: Five products were labeled exclusively in foreign languages, sometimes with translation errors. Mandatory information, such as warnings about high caffeine content, was missing in several samples.
Imported beverages often not EU-compliant
Of all the drinks investigated in 2024, violations of legal maximum levels were found in eleven samples (0.7%) – almost exclusively in imported goods. The differences in the assessment of additives and inadequate labeling make a safe choice difficult for consumers.
Especially with energy drinks, a critical look at the caffeine content is worthwhile. Although acute health risks are unlikely in the cases examined, long-term consumption is not recommended.
The CVUA Karlsruhe intends to intensify market surveillance for imported drinks in the future.
Support for manufacturers and traders
For companies wishing to have their drinks checked for compliance, the BAV Institute for Hygiene and Quality Assurance offers comprehensive laboratory analyses and quality controls – including the determination of additives and caffeine. Contact us, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.
More information: www.bav-institut.de/de/qualitaetskontrollen