EU Regulations Drive Rigorous Glühwein Inspections at Hannover Christmas Market

Food safety experts report declining violations as they ensure compliance with EU standards for traditional holiday beverages.

EU regulations mandate that Glühwein must contain 7.0–14.5% alcohol and be made only from red or white wine, with specific rules for its composition.
Food safety inspectors in Hannover, including Moritz Kröning and Thomas Rautenberg, are monitoring compliance with these standards at Christmas market stands.
Inspections reveal a steady decline in violations, with only one of 39 samples statewide last year showing issues, and no major concerns found this year so far.
Inspectors also ensure proper preparation practices, such as maintaining beverage temperatures below 78°C to prevent alcohol evaporation and avoiding contamination through safe storage methods.
Hannover’s Christmas market, featuring 188 stands and diverse offerings, expects 1.8 million visitors by December 22, highlighting the importance of maintaining food and beverage safety.