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 BBC, 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
HiPP has recalled its entire range of jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets across Austria after rat poison was found in a jar of baby food. Authorities suspect criminal tampering, and parents are urged to return affected jars for refunds.
- Rat poison discovered in HiPP baby food jar in Eisenstadt
- Affected jars have white stickers with red circles on the bottom
- Recall affects more than 1,500 Spar stores in Austria
- Consuming contaminated food could be life-threatening
- Authorities suspect criminal tampering
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. As reported by Reuters, initial lab tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also showed the presence of a toxic substance.
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, as reported by The Guardian and Daily Mail. 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.
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