HiPP jarred baby food in Austria tested positive for rat poison, police say

A jar of HiPP carrot-and-potato purée reported in Eisenstadt tested positive for rat poison and was not consumed; HiPP has recalled its jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets and authorities have launched an investigation.

Police in Burgenland, Austria, warned that a sample of HiPP jarred purée tested positive for rat poison after a customer in Eisenstadt reported a tampered jar. The jar was described as a carrot-and-potato product and was not consumed; it was seized and examined by authorities. HiPP announced a recall of its entire range of jarred purées sold in Spar supermarkets in Austria while investigations continue. Authorities said related cases have been reported in neighbouring countries and cross-border inquiries are under way. Key details: - A HiPP jarred purée reported in Eisenstadt was found to contain rat poison after laboratory testing; the jar had reportedly been tampered with and was not consumed. - HiPP recalled all jarred purées sold in Spar stores in Austria and stated that consuming the products may be potentially life‑threatening. - Police said similar contaminated jars were identified in Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and that at least one other poisoned jar is believed to be in circulation. - The Eisenstadt public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into intentional endangerment of the public. Summary: Authorities have removed jarred HiPP purées from sale at affected Spar outlets and are coordinating investigations across several countries. The public prosecutor's inquiry is ongoing and further details and outcomes are undetermined at this time.