Overview
- A new Milchproduktqualitätsverordnung takes effect on Sunday, June 14, 2026, and requires manufacturers to change packaging and advertising to meet the tighter labelling standards.
- Products may be called “laktosefrei” only if they contain less than 0.1 grams of lactose per 100 grams and that exact value must be printed on the pack.
- Labels must state the heat treatment used with clear terms such as pasteurised, ultrahigh‑temperature and sterilised, and milk may be marketed as “frisch” only if it stays good at or below 8°C for no more than three weeks.
- Manufacturers must disclose which animal milks are present and the percentage of any non‑cow milk, and they must clearly mark when milk components are replaced by plant ingredients.
- Advertising for added vitamins and other additives is restricted so sugary products cannot appear healthier through vitamin claims, and retailers will need to update packaging before the rules take effect.