A pesticide was discovered on Thursday while cleaning a coffee machine in the kitchen of the Murnau accident clinic (Garmisch-Partenkirchen district). As the police announced on Friday, the substance is metaldehyde, also known as slug pellets. It is commonly used to repel snails in the home and garden and is deadly to the mollusks.
According to the police headquarters in Oberbayern Süd, up to 190 people could have consumed the coffee from the affected large machine, but health effects are not to be feared “according to current professional assessment”. There are currently no reports of symptoms in those affected. Experts from the State Criminal Police Office have been called into the investigation. Patients and staff have been informed of the incident.
The criminal police in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is investigating on suspicion of attempted dangerous bodily harm. According to the announcement, a suspect has not yet been identified.