Police in Austria have urged people to be vigilant after a sample of HiPP baby food was found to contain rat poison. The incident, which occurred in the eastern region of Burgenland, was reported by a customer, whose baby fortunately had not consumed the contaminated food.
Authorities indicated that the jar had been tampered with and suspect at least one more poisoned jar may still be in circulation. They have issued guidance on how to recognize tampered jars. Though the investigation has not confirmed an alleged extortion attempt, warnings were prompted by alerts from German investigators, with similar cases reported in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In light of these developments, HiPP has recalled its entire range of jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets across Austria, cautioning that consumption may be potentially life-threatening. The company clarified that the recall stems from a criminal act rather than a defect in the product, as all jars had left the factory in perfect condition.
Continuing investigations have led to the seizure of tampered jars in both Austria and neighboring countries, with authorities confirming they contained rat poison. Spar supermarkets have responded by removing HiPP baby food from their stores in several countries as a precaution.
Austrian authorities are urging consumers to check for damaged lids, missing safety seals, unusual odors, or a white sticker with a red circle at the base of the jar. They have also advised parents whose children have consumed HiPP baby food to seek medical attention if symptoms such as bleeding or extreme weakness arise.
Customers are being directed not to consume any HiPP jars purchased at Eurospar, Interspar, or Maximarkt, and to return them for refunds. HiPP's baby formula remains unaffected by this incident, and police have emphasized that baby food sold in other shops is not part of this recall.
This alarming event follows earlier recalls of other baby food brands, including Nestle and Danone, in recent months due to contamination. A reminder that vigilance is critical when it comes to the safety of infant food products.
Authorities indicated that the jar had been tampered with and suspect at least one more poisoned jar may still be in circulation. They have issued guidance on how to recognize tampered jars. Though the investigation has not confirmed an alleged extortion attempt, warnings were prompted by alerts from German investigators, with similar cases reported in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
In light of these developments, HiPP has recalled its entire range of jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets across Austria, cautioning that consumption may be potentially life-threatening. The company clarified that the recall stems from a criminal act rather than a defect in the product, as all jars had left the factory in perfect condition.
Continuing investigations have led to the seizure of tampered jars in both Austria and neighboring countries, with authorities confirming they contained rat poison. Spar supermarkets have responded by removing HiPP baby food from their stores in several countries as a precaution.
Austrian authorities are urging consumers to check for damaged lids, missing safety seals, unusual odors, or a white sticker with a red circle at the base of the jar. They have also advised parents whose children have consumed HiPP baby food to seek medical attention if symptoms such as bleeding or extreme weakness arise.
Customers are being directed not to consume any HiPP jars purchased at Eurospar, Interspar, or Maximarkt, and to return them for refunds. HiPP's baby formula remains unaffected by this incident, and police have emphasized that baby food sold in other shops is not part of this recall.
This alarming event follows earlier recalls of other baby food brands, including Nestle and Danone, in recent months due to contamination. A reminder that vigilance is critical when it comes to the safety of infant food products.
