‘Beer bath oil’ gets German officials in a lather

A Czech-made ‘beer bath oil’ containing brewer’s yeast and hop extracts has been withdrawn from the German market after officials said its packaging was too similar to that of real beer.

The EU’s RAPEX rapid alert system that helps EU member states share information to stop the marketing or use of products that pose a serious health risk.

Last Friday’s RAPEX report explained that the Bierbad bath oil in its PET bottle (pictured) was shaped like a disposable beer bottle, with its neck covered by a gold metallic foil.

“The product poses a chemical risk because the liquid contains high content of surfacants, which, if swallowed, can be toxic. Due to its characteristic form, appearance and packaging, consumers may mistake the product for foodstuffs and therefore swallow the liquid,” it read.

The product fails to comply with Directive 87/357/EEC on product that appear to be other than they are and endanger the health or safety of consumers.