Suspect detained after rat poison found in baby food jars on supermarket shelves
VIENNA — Authorities in eastern Austria have apprehended a 39-year-old suspect in connection with the discovery of rat poison in HiPP baby food jars sold in several central European countries.
HiPP, a renowned baby food manufacturer, issued a recall of certain products in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic following the alarming incident that came to light recently. The company expressed relief upon the suspect’s arrest and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The investigation was initiated by the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office after a contaminated baby food jar was discovered in a supermarket in Eisenstadt on April 18. The suspect is currently under interrogation, and the public prosecutor’s office has launched a probe into the case of suspected deliberate endangerment of the public.
According to reports, five tampered baby food jars were confiscated before any harm could be done. The tampering is believed to have occurred in 190-gram jars of baby food containing carrots and potatoes intended for 5-month-old infants sold at SPAR supermarkets in Austria.
In response to the incident, HiPP recalled all its baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets as a precautionary measure. The company emphasized that the recall was not due to any fault in their products, as the jars left their facility in perfect condition.
HiPP also revealed that they had been targeted by extortion, with an anonymous blackmailer sending threatening messages. The company promptly reported the issue to the authorities.
