Baby food manufacturer Hipp has recalled its entire range of jarred baby products sold through Spar Austria, describing the move as a precautionary measure.
In a statement, the company said it “cannot rule out” that a dangerous substance may have been introduced through tampering into one specific product, “Hipp Vegetable Jar – Carrot with Potato” (190 grams). Because consumption of potentially affected products could pose a life-threatening risk, customers are being urged to return any Hipp baby food jars purchased at Spar.
Refunds Available Without Receipt
According to the recall notice, products potentially affected can be identified by a white sticker with a red circle placed on the bottom of the jar. However, to prevent any risk of unintended consumption, customers are asked not to consume any Hipp baby food jars purchased at Spar Austria as a precaution.
The products may be returned to any Spar, Eurospar, Interspar, or Maximarkt location. The purchase price will be refunded even without a receipt.
Further details were not immediately available. The German press office number listed in the statement could not be reached for comment. It remains unclear what substance may have been involved in the alleged tampering, whether any manipulated jars have been discovered, or how the investigation began. It is also unclear what parents should do if a product has already been fed to a child.
Hipp’s Austrian parent service hotline is available at +43-7612-76577-104 on weekdays.
Police Investigation Underway
The State Police Directorate of Burgenland is leading the investigation. In the company’s statement, police requested assistance from the public.
Police spokesperson Helmut Marban said the investigation was initiated after receiving information that potentially affected jars “may have appeared in the Burgenland region.” However, he added, “We have not found anything so far.”
Authorities declined to provide further details, citing investigative considerations. Anyone who may have observed suspicious activity is asked to contact police. Information regarding potentially tampered Hipp baby food jars can be reported to +43-5913310-3333.
