Rat poison was detected in HiPP baby food jars, prompting immediate recalls in Austria and potentially two other European countries.
HiPP Recalls Baby Food After Rat Poison Discovery
HiPP has initiated an immediate recall of its baby food jars after rat poison was found in products, specifically carrot and potato puree. The contaminated products were initially discovered in stores belonging to the Spar retail chain.
The potential danger extends beyond Austria, with concerns raised about possible contamination in two other European nations.
Initial Report from Austria
BBC News reports that a resident of Eisenstadt, Austria, alerted authorities to concerns about the contents of a HiPP baby food jar. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of rat poison in the carrot and potato puree.
Retailers Pull Products
HiPP immediately recalled the entire line of purees sold through Spar, Eurospar, Interspar, and Maximarkt. The company warns that consuming the poisoned food poses a serious health and life threat to children.
Police Investigate Potential Sabotage
Austrian authorities are urging parents to exercise extreme caution and inspect each jar before opening. They are looking for signs of tampering.
Investigation Expands to Multiple Countries
The threat is not limited to Austria. Similar cases of toxic substances in HiPP products have been reported in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Austrian police are coordinating with a broader investigation underway in Germany.
HiPP Claims to be Victim of Extortion
HiPP has stated that it is the victim of extortion, characterizing the incident as a criminal act. The company received a message via a general email address, not used for individual correspondence.
HiPP emphasizes that the incident does not reflect a quality issue with its products, attributing the contamination to external criminal manipulation. They are cooperating fully with law enforcement and have established a crisis management team.
