Workroom test: Many children's meals contain alcohol
Many popular ready-made children's meals in Austria contain alcohol, according to a recent test conducted by the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK). Ready-made baked goods such as milk rolls, croissants, and cream cake rolls often include alcohol as a preservative or flavoring ingredient, but the information on the labels is often unclear or difficult to read, putting children at risk of unintentionally consuming alcohol.
Even small amounts of alcohol can affect the taste preferences of children and adolescents and lower their inhibitions towards drinking alcohol in the future. Alcohol is often listed in ingredient lists under technical terms such as ethanol or ethyl alcohol, making it easier for parents to overlook. Currently, there is no legal requirement to display alcohol content in food products, unlike beverages, leaving most baked goods unregulated in this regard.
In its survey, the upper working chamber purchased 30 packaged products that listed alcohol or related terms among the ingredients. The results showed that only four products clearly indicated alcohol content, while three other products provided this information voluntarily. Independent laboratory tests showed that two products exceeded the maximum display limit of 0.95 grams per 100 grams, meaning that their alcohol content should have been displayed. Twelve items were considered alcohol-free, while 16 items were in a gray area, and one croissant contained undetectable alcohol.
The test highlighted brands like Milka, which now faces legal action due to misleading packaging. The alcohol content in the tested products ranged from less than 0.1 grams to 1.1 grams per 100 grams. Although these levels are not harmful from a health perspective, the upper chamber emphasized that intentional alcohol in foods, especially those aimed at children, should be clearly displayed to protect minors and those who abstain from alcohol for health, religious, or addiction-related reasons.
The High Working Chamber calls for clear regulations to protect consumers and ensure transparency. It urges manufacturers to prominently display alcohol content on product packaging to prevent children from consuming alcohol unknowingly and to help parents make informed decisions about the foods they provide to their children.