A major food safety scare has erupted in Austria after authorities confirmed that traces of rat poison were discovered in jars of baby food, triggering an urgent recall across thousands of supermarket locations.
The product involved is made by HiPP and was reportedly pulled from shelves in collaboration with SPAR following the alarming discovery.
Contamination Discovered After Customer Report
According to police in Burgenland, a sample of a 190-gram jar of carrot and potato baby food tested positive for rat poison after being reported by a customer in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district.
Authorities immediately launched an investigation after the suspicious product was flagged, prompting wider safety checks across multiple batches.
Thousands of Stores Affected
In response to the findings, SPAR supermarkets removed the affected baby food jars from approximately 1,500 stores across Austria, with additional precautionary withdrawals in several European countries where the retailer operates.
These include Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, and Northern Italy.
Possible Tampering Under Investigation
HiPP stated that the contamination appears to be the result of external interference and cannot yet be fully explained. The company suggested the possibility of criminal tampering within the supply chain.
Police confirmed that some jars showed signs of damage, including broken or missing seals, unusual odors, or visible tampering indicators such as stickers and opened lids.
Cross-Border Safety Alerts
Similar products were also examined in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where early lab tests reportedly detected toxic substances, further raising concerns about possible cross-border distribution risks.
Authorities in Germany stated that products outside the current investigation zones are not believed to be affected.
Health Warnings Issued
Health officials have warned that consumption of contaminated jars could be life-threatening for infants. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety advised immediate medical attention if any baby consumed the affected product.
Consumers were also instructed to wash hands thoroughly if they had handled the jars.
Full Recall and Refunds
HiPP has confirmed that all affected products have been removed from sale and that customers will receive full refunds for returned items.
SPAR also emphasized that the recall was implemented as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate how the contamination occurred, with early indications pointing toward deliberate tampering rather than production failure.
For now, officials and manufacturers are urging parents to remain vigilant and avoid using any recalled baby food jars.
