Austrian authorities discovered rat poison in a jar of Hipp baby food, prompting the recall of the product from 1,500 Spar supermarkets across the country. The incident was reported after a customer in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district found rat poison in a sample of the carrot with potato baby food.
Hipp acknowledged the possibility of a harmful substance being introduced into the product and suspected tampering with their Hipp Vegetable Carrot with Potato jars. They warned that consuming the tainted contents could pose life-threatening risks.
The affected jars were identified by a red circle sticker on the bottom and signs of tampering such as a damaged or missing safety seal, an opened lid, or an unusual smell. Lab tests on similar jars seized in Czechia and Slovakia also revealed the presence of a toxic substance, according to police.
Hipp confirmed the presence of rat poison in the jars and collaborated with retail partners in Czechia and Slovakia to remove the products from sale as a precautionary measure. Austrian authorities were alerted about the potential risk following investigations in Germany.
The baby food manufacturer suggested that the contamination was a result of criminal interference specifically targeting the Spar Austria distribution channel. They assured that products and distribution channels in other European countries were unaffected by the ongoing investigations.
Spar Austria took immediate action by pulling all Hipp products from its stores in various countries, including Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy. Customers were advised not to consume the purchased jars and were promised a full refund upon return.
Authorities recommended thorough handwashing for anyone who may have handled the contaminated jars and urged immediate medical assistance for infants who consumed the tainted baby food.