Austrian police have announced that rat poison was detected in baby food jars produced by the Germany-based HiPP brand. The company recalled the products from over 1,000 SPAR supermarkets in Austria on Friday, citing concerns that a "hazardous substance" may have been introduced into its carrot with potato puree through tampering.

Police in Austria's eastern Burgenland province stated in a release that the contaminated jars were seized in Austria, as well as in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with an ongoing investigation in Germany. A 190-gram sample, reported by a customer, tested positive for rat poison on Saturday, prompting warnings against consumption.

Austria's food protection agency suggested the poison might have been introduced as part of an extortion scheme. HiPP confirmed that the situation involves external criminal interference affecting the SPAR Austria distribution channel and warned that consuming the jars in question could be life-threatening.

HiPP and SPAR pledged full refunds for returned products. Police advised customers to wash their hands thoroughly if they come into contact with the items. This incident adds to recent food scares in the baby food market, impacting major companies like Nestle, Danone, and Lactalis.

Source: www.dw.com