A recent undercover investigation by "Team Wallraff" has uncovered alarming hygiene violations at Kaufland, one of Germany's largest supermarket chains. The report, which aired on RTL on April 3, 2025, highlights issues such as moldy food, rodent infestations, and deceptive practices regarding expiration dates. Over the course of nearly a year, reporters examined 50 Kaufland stores across twelve states, revealing that more than 80% of the locations had serious hygiene concerns.
During their investigation, the reporters discovered moldy cheese in the fresh food counters and documented instances of expired products being relabeled and sold to unsuspecting customers. In one shocking incident, undercover reporter Silan, who worked in the fresh section of a Kaufland store in Bad Tölz, was instructed to cut mold off cheese and return it to the display. She also reported being asked to repackage expired antipasti with new expiration dates. "We have to do it. Otherwise, we'll get in trouble," a Kaufland employee reportedly said, shedding light on the pressure staff face to maintain sales figures.
The investigation also revealed severe pest control issues. In a store located in Homburg, a night vision camera captured 48 mouse movements within just six hours. Additionally, reporter Lina found mouse droppings in bread baskets and received photos from informants showing a dead mouse on a loaf of bread. Kaufland has acknowledged the rodent problem, stating they are working closely with food safety authorities and experts to address the infestation.
"Team Wallraff" documented that 80% of the stores visited had mold in their refrigeration units. The presence of mold is concerning, as it indicates a lack of proper cleaning and maintenance. Food inspector Bernd Stumm commented on the findings, stating, "Mold takes time to become visible. If I cleaned my cooling units weekly, we wouldn't have such issues." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the cleanliness and safety of food products in these stores.
In addition to the mold and pests, the investigation revealed that a significant amount of Kaufland's poultry products were contaminated with harmful bacteria. Laboratory tests conducted in October 2024 showed that 15 out of 30 chicken samples contained Campylobacter, a bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. Furthermore, 11 samples tested positive for antibiotic-resistant pathogens, posing a potential risk to public health. Reinhild Benning, an agricultural expert from the German Environmental Aid (DUH), described these findings as "alarming," emphasizing that such high levels of contamination are intolerable.
Kaufland, part of the Schwarz Group, which also owns Lidl, reported a turnover of 34.2 billion euros in the 2023/24 fiscal year, a 7.8% increase from the previous year. With approximately one million customers shopping there daily, the company has a responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of its products. In response to the investigation, Kaufland stated that they take the allegations seriously and are committed to improving hygiene standards in their stores.
Despite these promises, former employees have shared that thorough cleaning often occurs only before internal audits. The pressure to meet sales targets leaves little time for proper hygiene practices. One former house leader recounted a supervisor's harsh words: "You are my spinning top. I have to hit you again and again so that you spin." This culture of pressure and fear has raised concerns about the well-being of both employees and customers.
The report also revealed that Kaufland has replaced the management of two stores in response to the findings. The company plans to modernize the Homburg location starting in May 2025, citing that many of the cooling units are outdated and in need of replacement. They assured the public that they are in close coordination with the relevant food safety authorities to rectify the situation.
As part of their investigation, "Team Wallraff" emphasized the importance of consumer awareness. Dr. Britta Schautz from the Consumer Center warned customers to be vigilant when shopping, advising them to check for condensation and ice in refrigeration units, which can indicate improper cooling. She also cautioned that damaged packaging could allow mold spores to contaminate food products.
In light of these findings, Kaufland's commitment to improving hygiene practices will be closely monitored by both the media and the public. The full report aired on RTL and is available for viewing on RTL+. The ongoing scrutiny of Kaufland's practices raises critical questions about food safety standards in one of Germany's leading supermarket chains.
As the investigation unfolds, many consumers are left wondering how such conditions could exist in a company owned by Germany's richest individual, Dieter Schwarz. "Team Wallraff" promises to continue their investigation, aiming to shed light on the systemic issues that have led to these alarming findings. The health and safety of consumers depend on accountability from retailers like Kaufland, as the public demands transparency and higher standards in food safety.
