Austrian authorities have confirmed that a jar of HiPP baby food was contaminated with rat poison, prompting a nationwide recall and urgent safety advice.
Police reported late on Saturday that the issue came to light after a customer in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district raised concerns about a 190-gram jar of “Carrots and Potatoes” baby food. Testing of the sample confirmed the presence of rat poison, according to police in Burgenland. As a precaution, the product was removed from approximately 1,500 SPAR supermarkets across Austria.
HiPP had earlier said it could not rule out that a harmful substance had been deliberately introduced into its Vegetable Carrot with Potato jars, pointing to possible tampering.
The company warned that consuming the product could pose a serious health risk.
According to police, potentially affected jars may carry a red circle sticker on the base and show signs such as an opened or damaged lid, a missing safety seal, or an unusual smell.
Preliminary laboratory tests on comparable jars seized in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also identified a toxic substance, though no further information was provided.
HiPP confirmed to Reuters on Sunday that the jars did contain rat poison. As a precautionary step, retail partners in both countries removed all HiPP baby food products from sale.
Authorities in Austria said they were alerted to the risk following investigations in Germany, without giving additional details.
To prevent any unintended consumption, customers are asked not to use any HiPP baby food jars purchased from SPAR Austria as a safety measure.
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HiPP stated that products and distribution channels in Germany and other European countries not linked to the investigation remain unaffected. The company added that current findings point to external criminal interference involving the SPAR Austria distribution channel.
The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety advised that immediate medical attention should be sought if a baby has consumed the product.
A SPAR spokesperson said the recall was a precautionary measure affecting around 1,500 stores in Austria, with no impact on outlets elsewhere.
SPAR and HiPP urged customers not to consume any jars purchased from SPAR Austria and confirmed that products can be returned for a full refund.
Police also advised washing hands thoroughly after handling the jars.
20.04.2026.
