Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2024
Historical reassessment confirms corporate benefit from forced labor
Research by Hartmut Berghoff and Manfred Grieger concluded that Bahlsen profited from the Nazi forced-labor system. The Bahlsen family acknowledged shortcomings in addressing the company’s history and announced remembrance initiatives.
2019
Controversy over Verena Bahlsen’s wartime comments
Shareholder Verena Bahlsen was criticized after publicly asserting that forced laborers had been paid and treated like German workers. Subsequent reporting contradicted the pay claim. Bahlsen announced a historical review, and Verena Bahlsen expressed regret for her statements.
1940
Forced labor during the Nazi era
More than 800 foreign forced laborers worked for Bahlsen between 1940 and 1945. Later research found lower wages than those paid to German workers, stigmatizing treatment of Polish workers, restricted living conditions, smaller food rations and poorer medical care. The company also operated a factory in occupied Kiev and removed assets during the German retreat.