Police in Burgenland, Austria, reported that rat poison was found in a jar of HiPP baby food's carrots and potatoes purée. The contamination was discovered after a customer reported the issue in Eisenstadt. According to multiple reports, the affected jars have a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom and may show signs of tampering, such as damaged or open lids or unusual odors.
Key Takeaways
Rat poison was discovered in a jar of HiPP baby food's carrots and potatoes purée sold in Spar supermarkets across Austria. The contamination was found after a customer reported it in Eisenstadt. Police suspect criminal tampering, as the affected jars show signs of tampering such as damaged lids or unusual odors.
- Rat poison found in HiPP baby food jar triggers recall from 1,500 Spar stores in Austria
- Affected jars have a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom and may show signs of tampering
- Consuming contaminated food could be life-threatening according to HiPP
- Police advise thorough hand washing after contact with potentially contaminated jars
- Parents urged not to consume affected jars and seek medical help if babies show symptoms
The discovery prompted HiPP to recall its entire range of jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets across Austria. The company warned that consuming the contaminated food could be life-threatening. Initial lab tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also showed the presence of a toxic substance, as reported by Reuters.
Austrian authorities suspect criminal tampering, with HiPP stating that the situation involves 'external criminal interference' affecting their Spar Austria distribution channel. Police advised customers to wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with any potentially contaminated jars. The recall affects more than 1,500 Spar stores in Austria.
Parents are urged not to consume the contents of the affected jars and to return them for a full refund. Those whose babies have consumed the food are advised to consult a doctor if their children show signs of bleeding, extreme weakness, or paleness. The incident follows recent recalls by Nestlé and Danone due to contamination fears in their baby formula products.
According to TimesLIVE, HiPP confirmed on Sunday that the jars did contain rat poison. Affected retail partners in both Austria and neighboring countries immediately removed all HiPP baby food jars from sale as a precautionary measure. Spar Austria has removed the HiPP products in all countries where it runs businesses, including Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.
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