Suspect Arrested in HiPP Baby Food Poisoning Case

On the morning of May 2 in Austria, a 39-year-old man was arrested, suspected of poisoning HiPP brand baby food with rat poison. This information was reported by the OE24 portal. An investigation has been launched against him for creating a public safety threat, as well as for attempting to cause serious harm to health.

The investigative work is being led by the Eisenstadt Prosecutor's Office. Representatives from the Federal Criminal Police Office and the Burgenland Provincial Criminal Office took part in the operation. In the interests of the investigation, the identity of the arrested individual and the details of the operation have not yet been disclosed.

According to investigation data, on April 18, a glass jar of puree was discovered in one of the stores in Eisenstadt, containing approximately 15 micrograms of rat poison. Specialists are currently assessing the potential impact of that product on health.

According to the portal, the suspect had previously sent a letter to the manufacturer with the intent of receiving a ransom. Following this, the company recalled a batch of carrot and potato vegetable puree that was also sold in Spar supermarkets. Police continue to search for a potentially second poisoned package. The investigation has taken on an international character, as products with non-standard labeling have also been found in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.