Jars of HiPP baby food were recalled from 1,500 Spar supermarkets in Austria over fears the carrot and potato product was contaminated – police have found rat poison in a sample
A popular brand of baby food has been recalled from 1,500 shops – and now police say they have found rat poison in a sample.
Jars of carrot and potato HiPP baby food were recalled from Spar supermarkets in Austria over fears they may have been contaminated. The company said the jars may have been tampered with, making consuming them potentially “life-threatening”.
“It cannot be ruled out that a hazardous substance was introduced… due to external influence,” it said. The entire range, not just carrot and potato, was pulled from shelves as a precaution. German firm HiPP had stressed the issue only impacted jars in Austria.
HiPP said on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel.”
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Now police say they have detected rat poison in the product. A sample from one of the 190-gram carrots and potato jars, reported by a customer, tested positive for the toxic substance according to police in Burgenland.
Police also said similar jars have now been seized in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. “Initial laboratory tests revealed a toxic additive in these products,” the statement read. “It was also reported that the tampered jars had a spoiled odor.”
Authorities advised that the tampered jars may 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.
“Further investigations are currently being conducted by the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office,” the statement continued. “The authorities request increased vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious observations.”
Police have issued the following advice for anyone who may notice irregularities with HiPP baby food products in their home:
- Do not open it
- Do not consume it under any circumstances or offer it to a small child
- Set the product aside away from all other food, possibly wearing gloves
- Afterwards: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately (for at least 30 seconds)
