Authorities in Austria have launched a criminal investigation after rat poison was detected in a jar of HiPP baby food, prompting a nationwide recall of the product from approximately 1,500 Spar supermarket locations.

According to a statement from Burgenland police, a consumer in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district reported contamination in a 190g jar of HiPP’s carrot and potato baby food, which subsequent laboratory analysis confirmed contained rodenticide.

HiPP acknowledged on Saturday that the possibility of deliberate contamination could not be excluded, emphasizing that the safety of their vegetable carrot and potato jars had been compromised.

The company warned that ingestion of the tainted product could pose severe health risks, potentially endangering lives.

Identifying the Contaminated Products

Officials noted that the affected jars could be recognized by a red circular sticker on the base, along with signs such as opened or damaged lids, missing safety seals, or an unusual odor emanating from the container.

Further testing of similar jars confiscated in neighboring Czech Republic and Slovakia revealed the presence of toxic substances, although authorities have withheld detailed information pending ongoing inquiries.

Cross-Border Precautions and Responses

HiPP confirmed on Sunday that rat poison was indeed found in the suspect jars, leading retail partners in both the Czech Republic and Slovakia to promptly withdraw all HiPP baby food products from their shelves as a precaution.

Investigations in Germany had earlier alerted Austrian authorities to the contamination risk, though specifics remain undisclosed.

HiPP reassured consumers that products and distribution networks outside the affected regions, including other European countries, remain unaffected by this incident.

Statements from HiPP and Spar Austria

HiPP described the situation as a case of external criminal interference specifically targeting the Spar Austria supply chain.

In response, Spar Austria announced the removal of all HiPP baby food products from stores across its operational territories, which include Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy. It clarified that Spar outlets in other countries operate independently and are not implicated.

Consumer Safety Measures and Advice

Both Spar and HiPP have urged customers to avoid consuming any HiPP baby food jars purchased from Spar Austria and have committed to issuing full refunds for returned items.

Authorities recommend thorough handwashing for anyone who has handled the suspect jars to minimize risk of contamination.

The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety has stressed the urgency of seeking immediate medical attention if infants have ingested the contaminated baby food.

Reuters