Urgent Recall: Coca-Cola Products Pulled from Luxembourg Stores and Vending Machines
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
Following a large-scale product recall, retailers and distributors across Luxembourg are actively removing Coca-Cola products from store shelves and vending machines. The recall, initiated by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in Belgium, extends across Europe, including Luxembourg. The decision was made due to elevated levels of chlorate detected in certain products. The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Safety Administration has issued a warning, stating that excessive chlorate consumption, even in a single day, can negatively impact health by reducing the blood's ability to absorb oxygen, potentially leading to kidney issues.
Retailers Take Immediate Action
A marketing and communications manager at Auchan Luxembourg confirmed in a media statement that over 2,500 affected product packages have been identified, and Coca-Cola representatives have been dispatched to remove them from store shelves. He added, “Such incidents inevitably impact our store operations, but our teams are well-equipped to handle them efficiently.”
Gradual Removal from Vending Machines
Dallmayr Luxembourg, responsible for stocking numerous vending machines across the country, has also begun removing contaminated products. The company stated, “The affected products have been isolated in our warehouses and removed from vending machines. However, the volume of recalled products remains marginal compared to our total sales.” Warning labels provided by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners have been placed on vending machines to inform consumers.
Coordination for Product Returns
Munhowen, a major beverage distributor in Luxembourg, confirmed that it is currently coordinating the return of recalled products in accordance with Coca-Cola’s safety guidelines. Similarly, Cactus, a leading supermarket chain, has also removed all affected stock from its inventory and shelves.
A spokesperson for Cactus’ marketing division stated, “Multilingual notices have been placed in our stores to inform customers about the recall and to facilitate product returns for full refunds.” The retailer also assured that all recalled products are securely stored in warehouses until they are collected by the supplier in the coming days.
Consumer and Vendor Advisory
Health authorities strongly advise against consuming these recalled products. Consumers who have already purchased them are urged to refrain from consumption and return them to their respective points of purchase. Furthermore, all retailers, supermarkets, snack bars, restaurants, and other outlets stocking these products are strictly instructed to cease sales and distribution immediately.
Failure to comply with this directive may result in regulatory action by food safety authorities.
Consumer Alert: Recall of Multiple Jean Perrin Morbier Cheese Varieties Due to Bacterial Contamination
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Safety Administration has announced the recall of six varieties of Morbier cheese from the Jean Perrin brand due to potential contamination with the dangerous E. coli bacteria.
According to the official report, the affected products have been withdrawn from store shelves due to the possible presence of E. coli STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli), a bacteria known to cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses. The alert level has been classified as moderate to high (orange level).
List of Recalled Products:
🔹 Product Name: Morbier AOP 360g tranche
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440440026
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – March 26, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
🔹 Product Name: Morbier 45 jours
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440317717
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – March 14, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
🔹 Product Name: Planche Morbier, Comté, Edel
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440169286
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – January 25, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
🔹 Product Name: Plateau de fromage à raclette au lait cru, Morbier et Moutarde
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440440316
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – March 26, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
🔹 Product Name: Plateau de fromage à raclette au lait cru, Morbier et Poivre
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440440323
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – March 26, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
🔹 Product Name: Plateau de fromage à raclette lait cru Morbier AOP et Poivre
Brand: Jean Perrin
Barcode: 3324440440859
Best Before Date: January 8, 2025 – March 26, 2025
Sales Period: November 12, 2024 – January 24, 2025
Consumer Advisory
This recall follows similar actions taken in France, and consumers are urged not to purchase or consume these products. Anyone who has already bought them is advised to return them to the store of purchase immediately.
The Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Safety Administration has issued a health warning, urging consumers who experience symptoms of foodborne illness after consuming these cheeses to seek medical attention promptly.
Luxembourg Cracks Down on Traffic Violations with Stricter Penalties
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
Luxembourg is set to implement stricter penalties for traffic violations as part of the National Road Safety Plan 2024-2028, announced by Minister of Mobility Yuriko Backes. The initiative aims to modernize outdated regulations and enhance road safety across the country.
The minister emphasized that the current laws, which have been in place for over three decades, no longer meet contemporary needs. She confirmed that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will now carry harsher penalties, with a specialized task force assigned to determine the precise changes.
Increased Traffic Surveillance
The new strategy includes enhanced road monitoring using advanced radar technology. Backes revealed plans to install new fixed and mobile speed cameras along key roadways, including work zones and high-risk areas. Additionally, the government is considering acquiring devices capable of detecting mobile phone usage while driving to further deter distracted driving.
Faster Fine Processing & Fixed Penalties
One of the most significant changes in the reform is the introduction of fixed fines for specific traffic infractions. This will streamline enforcement and reduce the need for lengthy legal proceedings, allowing penalties to be imposed swiftly and efficiently.
Education & Prevention Measures
Beyond punitive actions, the plan also prioritizes driver education and preventive measures. One of the key proposals is to integrate road safety education into school curricula, fostering a culture of responsible driving from an early age. Additionally, reforms are being considered for driver training programs and the process of obtaining a driving license to ensure that new drivers receive comprehensive instruction on road safety.
Infrastructure Enhancements for Safer Roads
Luxembourg will also focus on improving road infrastructure to enhance safety for all road users. Trees along highways will be replaced with protective hedges and shrubs, reducing crash hazards. For cyclist safety, designated bike lanes will be marked in red, and new signage will be introduced to mandate a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between vehicles and bicycles.
With these reforms, Luxembourg is taking a proactive approach to reducing traffic violations and preventing road accidents, ensuring a safer and more efficient transportation system for all citizens.
New Campaign Launched to Raise Awareness of Key Labor Laws in the HORESCA Sector
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
A new awareness campaign has been launched to familiarize businesses and workers in the HORESCA sector (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafés) with key labor regulations. Given the industry's unique working conditions and flexible hours, the initiative aims to ensure that all stakeholders understand and comply with applicable laws.
The campaign, introduced by the Ministry of Labor, the HORESCA Federation, and the Inspectorate of Labor and Mines (ITM), also includes the release of a comprehensive practical guide outlining the main legal requirements. This handbook provides accessible and straightforward explanations of labor laws specific to the HORESCA industry, covering topics such as night shifts, working on public holidays, and Sunday work regulations.
A Proactive Approach to Labor Law Compliance
The guide is designed to enhance awareness among employers and employees, ensuring they fully understand their rights and responsibilities. The campaign encourages adherence to labor laws while promoting best practices in the workplace.
Steve Martellini, Secretary General of the HORESCA Federation, welcomed the initiative, stating:
"For a long time, we have advocated for a preventive approach to labor law enforcement rather than punitive measures. Businesses in this sector face many challenges, and this campaign represents an essential step in facilitating their compliance with legal requirements."
Government’s Commitment to Workplace Oversight
Minister of Labor Georges Mischo likened ITM’s enforcement approach to a traffic light system, explaining:
"Red indicates a serious legal violation requiring penalties, orange signals the need for corrective actions before reaching non-compliance, and green represents a guidance and advisory phase where businesses receive support to maintain best practices."
Multi-Channel Outreach for Maximum Awareness
The campaign will be promoted through print media, radio, and social media platforms, ensuring that as many industry stakeholders as possible gain access to crucial legal information.
With this initiative, the Luxembourg government aims to foster a well-regulated, informed, and legally compliant HORESCA sector, ultimately benefiting both businesses and employees alike.
Paulette Lenert: 'Asylum Policy Boundaries Are Being Crossed'
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
On Wednesday, Paulette Lenert, Socialist MP and former Minister of Health, spoke with RTL regarding the government’s migration policies and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lenert highlighted Luxembourg’s lack of preparedness for the pandemic, stating, “In 2023, we reached a broad political consensus, yet a legal framework for managing pandemics has still not been enacted.” She emphasized that while the topic had been discussed theoretically, no concrete measures had been put in place. Lenert further warned, “Experts predict that future pandemics will be more frequent, and we must learn from our past mistakes.”
Expressing her disappointment over the absence of a pandemic management law, Lenert criticized the current Minister of Health, Martine Deprez (CSV), for failing to prioritize this issue. Instead, Deprez has focused on a comprehensive public health reform plan—an initiative that Lenert supports in the medium term but insists does not address the immediate need for a legal framework for health crises. She suggested that integrating a pandemic law into broader health reforms would still be feasible in the future.
Asylum Policy: The Need for an Emergency Commission
Lenert also addressed the government’s evolving stance on asylum and immigration, expressing deep concern over the treatment of vulnerable migrants. She remarked, “We never imagined that in Luxembourg, in the middle of winter, families, women, and small children would be left homeless. This is an unacceptable situation that transcends party politics.”
Referring to the coalition agreement, she urged the government to establish a dedicated emergency commission to assess extreme cases on an individual basis. According to Lenert, current asylum laws are being enforced blindly, without considering humanitarian circumstances. Drawing from her experience as an administrative judge, she acknowledged the complexities of immigration policy but insisted, “While this is a broader debate that must take place in Parliament, we must find an immediate solution to address the current crisis.”
Rise in Fraudulent Schemes at Gas Stations and Rest Areas
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
Authorities have reported a surge in scam attempts targeting motorists and travelers at gas stations and highway rest areas in recent weeks. Fraudsters appear to be employing deceptive tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
According to police reports, these scammers often fabricate distressing stories, claiming to be victims of theft, assault, or financial difficulties and asserting that they urgently need cash to return to their home country.
How the Scam Works
The perpetrators, who frequently speak English, typically approach victims requesting cash loans, promising to reimburse them later. In some instances, they even escort their targets to nearby ATMs to withdraw money.
Despite occasionally making apparent bank transfers in the presence of the victims, these transactions are often fraudulent, resulting in unsuspecting individuals losing their money.
Police Advisory: Stay Vigilant
Authorities strongly advise against handing over money to strangers under such circumstances. Instead, individuals are encouraged to alert nearby persons or law enforcement immediately. The police emergency hotline (113) is available for reporting such incidents.
Furthermore, police have issued a stern warning against accompanying unknown individuals to ATMs for financial transactions. Engaging in such actions could pose serious security risks and make individuals vulnerable to fraud or theft.
As scams become increasingly sophisticated, authorities urge the public to remain cautious and skeptical when approached by individuals claiming to be in distress. Vigilance and awareness are key to preventing financial losses and ensuring personal safety.
Fraud in State Aid Payments: Massive Financial Losses from Social Benefit Violations
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
A Luxembourg resident recently arrested in Spain for fraudulent claims of government aid is just one of many cases of social benefit fraud. The Ministry of Family has revealed that in 2023, the National Solidarity Fund’s (FNS) Financial Fraud Unit referred 19 cases to the Luxembourg judiciary, with total damages amounting to €364,609.81.
The fraud unit is responsible for detecting misuse of social benefits, including Revis (social inclusion income), cost-of-living and energy allowances, disability pensions, and advance or reimbursement of alimony payments. According to official data, Revis remains the most fraud-prone benefit among all.
Strict Penalties: Prison Time and Hefty Fines
Through document reviews, interviews with beneficiaries, and field inspections, the fraud unit investigates suspected cases. When fraudulent activity is confirmed, the unlawfully received amounts must be repaid, and legal action is taken. Under Article 496 of the Penal Code, individuals convicted of state aid fraud can face four months to five years in prison and fines ranging from €251 to €30,000.
Stronger Residency Verification Measures
To prevent fraudulent residency claims, the Ministry of Family has implemented stricter control measures. Some aid recipients are now required to personally appear at designated offices to verify their residency status. Additionally, annual administrative audits serve as a preventative measure against fraudulent claims.
Interagency Cooperation to Uncover Fraud
The Fraud Investigation Unit collaborates with multiple government bodies, including ADEM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Children’s Future Fund, Customs, and the Labor and Mines Inspectorate. In 2023, 485 investigations were conducted, with inspectors making multiple visits to verify the actual residence of certain claimants.
Specialized Anti-Fraud Division Established
To further combat social benefit fraud, the Children’s Future Fund (CAE) established a dedicated anti-fraud division in 2023. This unit is tasked with preventing, detecting, investigating, and penalizing fraudulent activities related to state benefits. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling financial misconduct and ensuring the fair distribution of social aid in Luxembourg.
Seven Key Changes That Could Reshape Luxembourg’s Pension System
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
As discussions on pension reforms continue in Luxembourg, the Idea Foundation has released an analysis of several proposed measures that could significantly impact pension benefits. With the government expected to announce its final decisions in the spring, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the country’s retirement policies.
For months, policymakers have been debating how best to address the sustainability of the pension system. Key questions remain unanswered: Will pensions be reduced? Will the retirement age be extended? Will low-income retirees be protected? The government is weighing its options, with an eye on balancing long-term financial viability with social equity.
In January, the Idea Foundation examined 28 proposed changes, analyzing their feasibility, cost-saving potential, and impact on pensioners. Below are seven of the most significant changes under consideration:
1. Adjusting the Pension Calculation Formula
Currently, Luxembourg’s pension system consists of two components: a fixed base amount for all workers and a variable portion calculated based on earnings over a career. Reducing the weight of the variable portion would result in lower pensions for high earners while offering some protection to lower-income retirees through an increase in the fixed base amount.
2. Raising the Retirement Age and Contribution Period
One of the more contentious proposals involves increasing the retirement age or extending the required contribution period. Presently, Luxembourg’s retirement age ranges from 57 to 65 years, with a minimum contribution period of 40 years.
To encourage longer careers, the government is considering offering a bonus of 1.5% per additional year worked beyond the standard retirement age. Another proposed reform is the introduction of phased retirement, allowing individuals to work part-time while receiving a partial pension starting at 57, easing the transition into full retirement.
3. Increasing Pension Contributions
Currently, pension contributions amount to 24% of gross salaries, equally split between employees, employers, and the state (each contributing 8%).
One option under review is to raise these contributions, which would reduce take-home pay for workers and increase labor costs for businesses. Alternatively, the government could raise its share of contributions, but this would likely require an increase in taxation to fund the additional expense.
4. Changing the Contribution Cap
At present, contributions are capped at a maximum income level of €13,000 per month (five times the minimum wage). Earnings above this threshold are not subject to pension deductions.
Removing this cap could immediately boost state revenues but would, over time, lead to higher pension payouts for top earners. Some employers have proposed lowering the cap to €10,500 per month to prevent excessive long-term liabilities.
5. Eliminating or Reforming the End-of-Year Pension Bonus
Luxembourgian retirees currently receive an annual end-of-year pension supplement, which in 2025 could reach a maximum of €979. Some policymakers argue for its complete abolition, which would translate to a loss of over €80 per month for retirees. A more balanced approach under discussion is a means-tested reduction, ensuring that those with lower pensions still receive some level of support.
6. Modifying Pension Indexation Rules
At present, pensions increase in line with inflation (by 2.5%) and also benefit from real wage growth. One proposed change is to maintain inflation-based adjustments while reducing the link to salary growth. This would slow the pace of pension increases compared to wages, ensuring long-term sustainability while still protecting pensioners from rising living costs.
7. Removing Certain Pensionable Periods
To curb government expenses, some policymakers suggest eliminating certain credited periods, such as years spent in education, parental leave, or periods of disability. While this would generate savings, it could disproportionately affect specific groups, particularly parents and individuals with health conditions, sparking considerable public opposition.
Conclusion
Pension reform in Luxembourg is a highly complex issue with far-reaching economic and social implications. Any changes, particularly those affecting pension amounts and contribution structures, require careful evaluation and political consensus. With the government expected to make decisive moves in 2025, the outcome of these discussions could significantly shape the financial future of many Luxembourg residents.
Eight Arrested in Caritas Luxembourg Money Laundering Scandal
Luxembourg - January 31, 2025
A large-scale investigation spanning multiple European countries has led to the arrest of eight individuals suspected of laundering €61 million embezzled from the charitable organization Caritas Luxembourg. Luxembourg’s Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the arrests and announced that authorities are awaiting the extradition of suspects currently detained in France and Bulgaria.
Cross-Border Operation Uncovers Fraudulent Transactions
According to the Luxembourg Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation into the misappropriation of €61 million, which came to light last summer, has now entered a critical phase. A coordinated operation across three European countries was executed with the cooperation of police forces from France, Bulgaria, and the United Kingdom, along with eight investigators from Luxembourg’s FAME (Financial and Economic Investigation Unit) and two specialists from the FAST (Fugitive Active Search Team) of the Grand Duchy’s criminal police.
The crackdown, carried out under the direct supervision of Luxembourg’s investigating judge, resulted in the arrest of eight suspects under European arrest warrants issued by the Luxembourg prosecutor. These individuals are accused of money laundering and handling illicitly obtained funds linked to the Caritas fraud scheme.
Authorities also raided the homes of the suspects, seizing valuable evidence that is expected to strengthen the case and provide further clarity on how the funds were funneled and distributed.
Extensive International Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing
The breakthroughs in the case have been credited to continuous intelligence efforts and seamless collaboration between international agencies, including Europol, Interpol, and Eurojust. Investigators have exchanged over 100 messages via the SIENA security network, issued 30 European investigation orders, and sent letters of request to 13 countries. In addition, 27 property searches and 54 financial asset seizures have been carried out, targeting bank accounts both in Luxembourg and abroad.
Authorities have also engaged in multiple high-level meetings between judicial and law enforcement agencies, ensuring a thorough and coordinated approach to the case. Given the magnitude of the fraud, the resources allocated to the investigation have been substantial, reflecting Luxembourg’s commitment to tackling financial crimes at an international level.
Awaiting Extraditions and Asset Recovery Efforts
While the Luxembourg authorities await the extradition of the suspects from France and Bulgaria, they are also working on determining the status of confiscated assets in other jurisdictions. However, the Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the exact amount of recoverable funds remains uncertain at this stage.
Law enforcement agencies have indicated that this operation has led to the discovery of new evidence and key insights, paving the way for further inquiries. The Luxembourg Financial Intelligence Unit (CRF) continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing investigation, which authorities emphasize is still in its early stages.
Presumption of Innocence Until Proven Guilty
Despite the significant developments in the case, the Prosecutor’s Office has reiterated that all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The legal proceedings will follow due process, ensuring that justice is served in accordance with Luxembourg’s judicial framework.
This case marks one of the largest financial fraud investigations in Luxembourg’s history, highlighting the increasing sophistication of international money laundering networks and the importance of cross-border cooperation in combating financial crime.