Austria Arrests Suspect in Baby Food Rat Poison Scare

Austrian police on April 28 confirmed the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect linked to the discovery of rat poison in HiPP brand baby food. The incident took place in the state of Burgenland, eastern Austria.

Helmut Marban, spokesperson for the Burgenland State Police, told Al Jazeera: 'However, for tactical investigative reasons, we cannot provide information on the next steps of the investigation.'

Earlier in April, Swiss company HiPP—which claims to be the world's leading organic baby food brand—was forced to recall a portion of its products after authorities found rat poison and an unidentified 'toxic additive' in jars sold in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

At the time, HiPP stated its products were not contaminated during manufacturing and that the recall was due to a 'criminal act' under investigation. The Sachseln-based brand later reported being contacted by an extortionist making threats.

After the contamination was found, authorities advised the public to avoid HiPP products with a white label and red circle on the jar bottom, damaged lids, missing safety seals, or unusual odors.

Austria's Agency for Health and Food Safety warned anyone experiencing poisoning symptoms—including bleeding, extreme weakness, or paleness—to see a doctor. Rat poison interferes with the body's use of vitamin K, and symptoms typically appear 2 to 5 days after ingestion, the agency said.