Austrian police arrest suspect over rat poison found in baby food

Austrian Man Arrested Over Discovery of Rat Poison in Baby Food

Police in Austria’s eastern state of Burgenland have arrested a 39-year-old suspect in connection with the discovery of rat poison in jars of baby food sold in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The arrest follows a partial recall issued by Swiss company HiPP last month after authorities found the toxic substance and an unspecified additive in its products.

HiPP, which markets itself as the world’s top organic baby food brand, had initially stated that its products were not contaminated during production. However, the company later revealed it had been targeted by an extortionist seeking to blackmail it.

The suspect was taken into custody on Sunday, but police have declined to provide further information about the ongoing investigation for “tactical investigative reasons.” Authorities had previously advised consumers to avoid HiPP products featuring specific labels or exhibiting unusual characteristics. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety has also warned of potential health risks associated with ingesting rat poison, which can cause symptoms such as bleeding, extreme weakness, and paleness.

Symptoms typically appear two to five days after ingestion, according to the agency.

Source: Al Jazeera