100 percent juice? Foodwatch exposes "juice swindle in the supermarket"
Juice is not the same juice
Whether raspberry, orange or mango: For some time now, we have received large amounts of fruit from most juice packaging and a clear indication of the taste. According to Foodwatch, this is particularly noticeable in the brands Rauch, Albi, Solevita, Lausitzer and Voelkel. The problem with the thing: Behind the tantalizing-sounding juice names and images does not always hide what is promised.
For example, "raspberry-pink-pepper" from Rauch does not contain raspberry juice, but apple juice that has been enriched with raspberry pulp. This information can be found in the small print on the back of the packaging. In "Fröhliche Früchtchen" by Solevita, in which a colorful mix of apple, raspberry, aronia and passion fruit is said to have been found, consumer advocates found 22 percent apple juice and three percent raspberry and aronia passion fruit juice. A minimal fruit content so - and a misleading of the consumer by the manufacturer. Again, this information can not be recognized at first glance.
Foodwatch calls for juice swindle stop
"It's annoying to be able to play the ingredient detective on the juice rack yourself," says Sophie Unger of Foodwatch, claiming: "Manufacturers must finally label their products comprehensibly and indicate the fruit content and beverage type on the front." This way, customers could see at first glance whether they are holding a real juice or the cheaper nectar in their hands.
Direct juice in this country must consist of 100 percent fruit. Nectar, on the other hand, may be fortified with water and sugar. How much fruit must really be contained in it is explained in the fruit juice and soft drinks regulation. Apple juice must contain 50 percent apple, sour cherries 35 percent and mango juice at least 25 percent. So-called fruit juice drinks contain only six to 30 percent fruits. That has always been so - but should be better labeled in the future!
For their test, Foodwatch has taken a close look at the juice stocks of three supermarkets and one organic shop.
Opinion smoke
On 03.08.17 we received a statement from Rauch. Excerpts from the letter:
"The uniform appearance on the shelf is one of our brand elements and at the same time serves as an orientation for the consumer.
Since we specialize in the German market mainly on unusual and exotic fruit varieties, this narrows the scope in terms of food law. [...] from a banana or mango no 100% juice can be made. Just as little as it would be desirable to drink a 100% passion fruit juice that would be in no way reasonable for a consumer.
So the Happy Day Raspberry Pink Pepper you mentioned clearly tastes of raspberry with a slightly subtle pepper note and not apple. Also, the raspberry and the resulting raw material (juice and / or puree) is not suitable for direct use fruit according to fruit juice regulation.
In addition, we clearly and clearly show our 100% juices on the front. They all bear the name 100% compared to the other varieties. The nectars and fruit juice drinks do not carry this award. "
By the way: If you want to be on the safe side, for example, you can easily make apple juice yourself.
