Austrian police have confirmed the discovery of rat poison inside a jar of HiPP baby food, following a widespread recall across more than 1,000 SPAR supermarkets in the country due to serious safety concerns.
A sample from one of the 190-gram “Carrots and Potatoes” baby food jars, reported by a customer, tested positive for the toxic substance, according to a statement from police in Burgenland.
HiPP had previously said on Saturday that it could not rule out the introduction of a dangerous substance and that its “Carrots and Potatoes” jars may have been tampered with, warning that consuming the contents could be life-threatening.
Authorities advised that affected jars might have a sticker with a red circle on the bottom, a lid that appeared opened or damaged, a missing safety seal, or an unusual smell.
Initial laboratory tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also indicated the presence of a toxic substance, following warnings issued to Austrian authorities after investigations in Germany.
HiPP said on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel.”
A SPAR spokesperson said that the product recall was a precautionary measure, impacting 1,500 stores in Austria but no outlets elsewhere.
Both SPAR and HiPP have urged customers not to consume the contents of any jars purchased from SPAR Austria, offering full refunds for returned products.
Police also recommended thorough handwashing for anyone who came into contact with a jar.
