Authorities across Austria, Czechia and Slovakia are investigating a suspected blackmail attempt after rat poison was discovered in jars of HiPP baby food, triggering recalls and urgent safety warnings.
Deutsche Welle reported that prosecutors believe the contamination is part of a co-ordinated extortion case targeting the German manufacturer HiPP.
Cross-border contamination triggers alarm
Police confirmed that at least five jars were found in three countries, with initial testing showing toxic contamination in several products.
In Austria, the first affected jar was discovered near Eisenstadt in Burgenland, while additional contaminated jars were later located in Brno in Czechia and Dunajska Streda in Slovakia.
Authorities also suspect a second contaminated jar may still be missing in Austria.
According to Deutsche Welle, Austrian food safety authorities issued an immediate warning after the discovery, prompting at least one supermarket chain to begin a recall.
The German police unit in Ingolstadt, which is leading the investigation due to HiPP’s proximity to its Bavarian base in Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, has confirmed that the case is being treated as attempted blackmail.
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Investigators probe suspected extortion attempt
Officials say the case appears to involve deliberate tampering carried out outside factory conditions.
HiPP stated in a press release that it is the victim of blackmail, stressing that all contamination must have occurred after production.
The company and police have advised consumers to check jars carefully, particularly looking for damaged lids or the absence of the characteristic “pop” sound when opened, which indicates whether a vacuum seal has been broken.
The Ingolstadt police told Deutsche Welle that prosecutors are investigating attempted extortion and are treating the incident with high priority due to the potential risk to infants and the co-ordinated nature of the contamination across multiple countries.
Some of the affected jars reportedly bore a white sticker and a red circle, a marking referenced in an email attributed to the suspected blackmailer and also mentioned in the Austrian food safety alert.
Safety measures, ongoing investigation
Food safety standards for baby products remain among the strictest in Europe, with sealed packaging, batch tracking and controlled factory access designed to prevent tampering.
However, authorities say that once products reach retail shelves, risks remain if malicious actors intervene externally.
Police continue to investigate the origin of the contaminated jars and are urging the public to remain vigilant while the recall and forensic analysis continue.
Deutsche Welle reported that investigators are prioritising identifying the source of the co-ordinated cross-border contamination and any individuals responsible for the extortion attempt.
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