The recall presents a critical consumer safety threat to infants, one of the most vulnerable populations. A criminal investigation is underway into how rat poison contaminated the product, and authorities have issued warnings to help consumers identify potentially affected jars through specific tamper indicators.
Baby food brand HiPP is recalling baby food jars after samples in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic tested positive for rat poison, officials said Sunday. Authorities believe tampering occurred in 190-gram jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds that were sold from SPAR supermarkets in Austria, with the first sample testing positive on Saturday.
Identifying Contaminated Products
Burgenland Police identified specific warning signs parents and caregivers should watch for when checking HiPP baby food jars. Affected products display a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom of the jar. Consumers should also watch for a damaged or opened lid, an unusual or spoiled smell, or the absence of a popping sound when the jar is first opened.
Company Response
HiPP is recalling all of its baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets. The chain includes SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR, and Maximarkt stores. Customers can obtain full refunds even without a receipt.
“This recall is not due to any product or quality defect on our part,” HiPP said in a statement. “The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition. The recall is related to a criminal act currently under investigation by the authorities.”
Retailers in Slovakia and the Czech Republic have removed all HiPP baby food jars from shelves.
Health Risks from Contamination
Rat poison typically contains bromadiolone, an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting. Ingesting it can cause bleeding symptoms, including bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruising, and blood in stool, according to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety. Symptoms may appear within two to five days of ingestion.
A customer reported that a jar appeared to have been tampered with, though no one had consumed the baby food. The discovery triggered a criminal investigation by Burgenland Police.