Suspected tampering with HiPP baby food: Police investigating in Austria, indications also in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

The Austrian police are warning of possibly tampered jars of the baby food brand HiPP. The background is a suspected blackmail attempt – with indications of possible finds also in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The Austrian police are warning of possibly tampered jars of the baby food brand HiPP. The background is a suspected blackmail attempt: An as yet unidentified perpetrator is said to have threatened to poison products in order to exert pressure on the manufacturer. Suspicious jars were discovered in Austria, and there are also indications of possible finds in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Specifically, the incident concerns a supermarket in the federal state of Burgenland. According to the Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), suspicious products were immediately removed from sale there. The police simultaneously launched intensive investigations.

The trigger was a report from a customer: According to reports by the Austrian broadcaster ORF, he reported a jar in which toxic substances were later detected. As a result, both the manufacturer and retail chains withdrew the entire range from sale as a precaution and explicitly warned parents against consumption.

Police in Burgenland confirmed initial laboratory results: A toxic substance was found in the affected products. In addition, damaged jars reportedly had a spoiled smell. According to current findings, the perpetrators may have specifically threatened to add rat poison in order to blackmail the company.

According to the authorities, suspicious jars can be identified by certain features. These include a white label with a red circle on the underside, damaged or already opened lids, missing safety seals, as well as a noticeable smell.

Corresponding indications have also been received in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Police confirmed (X) that the criminal police in South Moravia are dealing with the case. However, no further details were provided. The Czech Ministry of Health issued a warning today, Sunday 19 April, urging parents to check their supplies of HiPP baby food immediately and to report any suspected cases to the relevant hygiene authorities.