19 April 2026 , 18:14
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Rat poison has been discovered in a jar of HiPP baby food, according to police in Austria, following a product recall from more than 1,000 Spar supermarkets in the country over safety concerns.
Police in Burgenland stated that a sample from one of the 190g (7oz) jars of carrots and potatoes baby food, reported by a customer, tested positive for rat poison.
HiPP announced on Saturday that it could not be ruled out that a dangerous substance had been introduced into the product and that its carrots and potatoes jars might have been tampered with.
Consuming the jar contents could be life-threatening, HiPP warned.
The police statement noted that the impacted jars had a sticker with a red circle on the bottom, a lid that was either previously opened, damaged, missing a safety seal, or emitted an unusual smell.
They reported that initial lab tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia indicated the presence of a toxic substance. The statement did not provide additional details.
The police also mentioned that Austrian authorities were alerted to the risk following investigations in Germany. Further details were not provided.
HiPP stated on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves external criminal interference affecting the Spar Austria distribution channel.”
HiPP was not immediately available for comment on Sunday.
A Spar spokesperson told Reuters on Saturday that the product recall was a precautionary measure impacting 1,500 stores in Austria, with no effect on other locations.
Spar and HiPP advised customers not to consume the contents of jars purchased from Spar Austria, assuring them of a full refund for returned products.
Police recommended that customers wash their hands thoroughly if they came into contact with a jar.
Deputy Editor