The entire batch of products has been withdrawn.
In Austria, rat poison was found in a jar of HiPP baby food, Deutsche Welle reports. The police reported the discovery of the substance in a jar of carrot and potato puree. The product was likely tampered with by unknown individuals. The jar was handed over to the police by one of the buyers, whose child did not have a chance to consume the food.
The day before, the Swiss brand HiPP recalled its entire range of jarred purees from more than 1,500 Spar supermarkets in Austria, stating that consuming this puree could be potentially 'life-threatening'.
HiPP indicated 'external criminal interference', noting that the product left the factory in 'perfect condition'. The police confirmed that the jar in which the poison was found had been opened.
The batch of HiPP food was also withdrawn in the Czech Republic and Slovakia after the discovery of a 'toxic substance'. In Germany, no contaminated HiPP products have been found so far, but an investigation is underway, reports Der Spiegel, citing authorities in Upper Bavaria, which borders Austria.
