German police investigate sabotage after antibiotics added to milk tank
Authorities respond after penicillin contaminates milk at a Bavarian dairy plant, causing significant loss and prompting a criminal probe
A dairy facility in the village of Obertraubenbach, located in the Schorndorf district of Bavaria, Germany, has become the center of a police investigation after an unidentified individual added the antibiotic penicillin to a milk storage tank. The incident reportedly took place between Tuesday, October 14, at 6:45 a.m. and Thursday, October 16, at 6:45 a.m. The motive behind the act remains unclear, but officials say the contamination has led to substantial economic loss for the business.
Initially, the milk producer did not detect the presence of antibiotics in the affected batch. Early tests on October 17 found the milk to be clean, but subsequent laboratory checks by the purchasing dairy company revealed traces of penicillin. As a result, the entire supply was destroyed, resulting in damages estimated at around 8,000 euros. Both the milk tank and the delivery truck have undergone thorough cleaning to prevent further risks.
Local police have launched an investigation, focusing on allegations of both sabotage and theft. Residents are being asked to report any suspicious activity from the relevant dates by contacting authorities. Officials highlight that regular checks at dairies help prevent cases like this, noting such sabotage incidents occur about 10 to 20 times a year in Bavaria but stressing that milk products remain generally safe. The investigation continues in cooperation with veterinary and law enforcement agencies.
