Tue, 23 Jun 2026 Kyiv 15:15Berlin 14:15London 13:15 UKR / DE / EN

German railway removes fries from onboard bistro due to EU climate regulation

Deutsche Bahn is removing french fries from its onboard bistro menu. The reason is an EU regulation banning certain refrigerants.

German railway removes fries from onboard bistro due to EU climate regulation
Photo: Tagesschau

The EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 is forcing Deutsche Bahn to overhaul its onboard bistros. Freezer units that use fluorinated greenhouse gases must be removed from bistro cars. Since the previous refrigerants are banned, the trains can no longer store frozen food – and therefore no french fries.

The classic currywurst with fries is thus off the menu. The new cooling units use alternative refrigerants, which are often highly flammable, such as propane (R290).

The railway is simplifying its system catering to avoid the enormous financial and logistical effort. Without freezing, frozen fries become soggy before frying and spoil.

Source: Tagesschau