Rat poison in baby food

HiPP Recall: Second Jar Found in Burgenland!

According to information from “Krone,” the second jar was found and seized in Burgenland.(Bild: APA/TOBIAS STEINMAURER)

A small ray of hope in the poison scandal: According to information from “Krone,” a second jar, possibly tampered with using rat poison, has been discovered and seized in Burgenland. A total of six suspicious HiPP jars have now been recalled in three countries, including Austria.

Since the weekend, the poison scandal surrounding HiPP baby food has caused great concern among parents in Austria and beyond. Following an attempted extortion against the German company, as-yet-unknown perpetrators—the police now believe there are multiple suspects—are said to have placed baby food jars laced with rat poison in stores across three countries.

So far, suspicious jars of the “Carrot and Potato” variety have been found in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria—two known cases in each country. In Austria, according to the police, a Spar store in the Eisenstadt district was affected. The retail chains reacted immediately and removed all products from the shelves as a precaution. The drugstore chain dm and the REWE Group followed suit on Monday, even though, as was expressly emphasized, the latter had received no recommendations or instructions from the authorities.

First jar contaminated with poison, according to expert report
As early as Saturday, the first jar appeared in Schützen am Gebirge (Eisenstadt district) with a red-and-white sticker, suggesting possible tampering. A preliminary toxicological report confirmed the suspicion of rat poison; detailed results are still pending. Police spokesperson Helmut Marban then warned on Sunday that a “second jar was likely in circulation.” Just two days later, investigators managed to locate and secure this suspected contaminated jar as well.

Second bottle found, but no all-clear in sight yet. Parents should watch for the absence of a “pop” sound, red-and-white stickers, or an unpleasant odor in the affected variety.(Bild: APA/TOBIAS STEINMAURER)

Nevertheless, the situation remains tense. Investigators are now hunting the perpetrators across four countries—but for tactical reasons, they are keeping a low profile. As of now, no suspects have been identified to the public. And the big question remains: Have all potentially poisoned jars really been removed from circulation? In any case, the public is urged to report suspicious jars immediately.

“If in doubt, don’t hesitate for a second”
The public is therefore urged to remain particularly vigilant. Health Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) expressed deep concern on Monday in light of the developments. “It is deeply disturbing that someone is apparently willing to endanger the health of babies for criminal motives,” she said.

I ask all parents in Austria: Please be especially vigilant right now.

Gesundheitsministerin Korinna Schumann (SPÖ)

She also issued an urgent appeal to parents: “I urge all parents in Austria: Be especially vigilant right now, do not use the affected product, and if in doubt, do not hesitate for a second to seek help—for example, by calling the emergency number 144 and the Poison Control Center at 01-4064343. Your children’s health comes first.”

Investigation into blackmail underway
The investigation into the suspected attempted extortion is being conducted by the Bavarian police under the direction of the Ingolstadt Public Prosecutor’s Office. The case has been known since the weekend and was officially confirmed by investigators on Monday.

Breaking news: HiPP reportedly received a blackmail email as early as late March demanding two million euros by April 2. The email threatened to place poisoned baby food jars in supermarkets across several countries if the payment was not made. According to the company, however, the email landed in a non-personalized staff mailbox that is only checked at longer intervals.