Finally take dietary supplements correctly - Germany's Unchecked Supplement Market Puts Consumers at Risk Until 2026
Dietary supplements in Germany face little regulation before hitting store shelves. Unlike medicines, these products are not tested for safety or effectiveness by any official body. Instead, they are simply registered with the German Federal Institute for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).
Under current rules, manufacturers only need to follow general food law. No authority checks supplements before they go on sale. This means harmful additives, including carcinogens or banned substances, have occasionally been found in products.
Random inspections by state food safety agencies sometimes reveal major discrepancies. Tests show that over half of analysed supplements contain nutrient levels far above the BfR's recommended limits—by as much as 700 percent. Even the stated content on packaging can differ by up to 50 percent from what's actually inside.
The EU has now stepped in to tighten controls. As of February 2026, binding maximum levels apply to key nutrients like selenium, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, and iron. Until then, manufacturers could legally ignore the BfR's guidelines, leaving consumers at risk of excessive intake.
Experts advise consulting a doctor before taking supplements to avoid unnecessary risks. Without prior approval or strict oversight, the responsibility falls on consumers to verify what they ingest. The new EU limits aim to reduce dangers, but gaps in regulation remain.
