Roxane stops production in Jessen after germ scandal!

Roxane stops production in Jessen after germ scandal!

After the alarm bells rang in July, peace has finally returned to the Clara source in Jessen. The mineral water manufacturer Roxane has resumed production after a recall. The recall became necessary after the dangerous bacteriaPseudomonas aeruginosawas detected in bottles of the “Naturalis” and “Gut&Günstig” brands. This germ can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, which is why its detection was a big topic in the region and beyond.

As the Central German newspaper reported, the recall had attracted nationwide attention. However, Roxane herself did not comment on the whole matter and the Alma group, to which Roxane belongs, and the Rhönsprudel group, which is also part of the Alma group, remained silent. The Wittenberg district, which took samples in collaboration with the State Office for Consumer Protection, also did not provide a statement. But the tests showed that the new samples were harmless, which allowed production to continue.

Products under suspicion

The types of mineral water affected by the recall were sold primarily at retailers Edeka, Marktkauf and Netto Marken-Discount. The list of products is extensive and concerns the following bottles:

• GUT&GÜNSTIG Stilles Mineralwasser 0,5 Liter (MHD: 01.07.2027 – 02.07.2027)
• GUT&GÜNSTIG Classic Mineralwasser 1,5 Liter (MHD: 01.07.2026)
• Naturalis Stilles Mineralwasser 1,5 Liter (MHD: 30.06.2027 – 01.07.2027)

This recall applies nationwide, with the exception of the federal states of Saarland and Baden-Württemberg. Consumption of the affected products is strongly discouraged. Anyone who has already picked up the bottle can return it without a receipt and receive a refund of the purchase price.

Demands for more transparency

Given the seriousness of the incident, the consumer organization demanded Foodwatch from Edeka and Roxane a complete explanation. The organization questions the measures taken to address the problem so far and calls for all relevant information about the wells to be disclosed to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.

In a broader context, this recall is reminiscent of the “Nestlé scandal” in France, in which mineral water sources were contaminated with dangerous germs. This shows once again how important supervision and transparency is in the food industry. The regulatory requirements for “natural mineral water” must be strictly adhered to in order to protect consumers and not lose trust.

In view of all these developments, consumers are hoping for clarity and a return to normality regarding the sources in Jessen soon. Roxane is now supplying Edeka and Kaufland with water bottles again and plans to better address the concerns that have arisen in the future.