"Mein Teil" attracted controversy in Germany; the media dubbed it "Das Kannibalenlied" ("The Cannibal-Song") due to its lyrics referring to the Armin Meiwes cannibalism case, which helped to boost it to second place in the German music charts after its release in early August 2004.
"Mein Teil" was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 48th Grammy Awards but lost to Slipknot's "Before I Forget".
The controversy over "Mein Teil" prompted MTV Germany to restrict the airing of the music video to after 11 PM.
It debuted in three consecutive concerts for members of the fan club, in October 2004.
The song is one of the most notable live performances of the 2004-2005 Reise, Reise tour.