Police have arrested a suspect after rat poison was found in baby food jars across Europe.
Authorities say a 39-year-old man is now in custody over contamination fears that have led to a recall of 1,500 supermarkets.
Baby food maker HiPP pulled products from shelves in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic and said it was “very relieved” by the arrest.
An investigation was launched after poison was found in a jar purchased in Eisenstadt on 18 April.
HiPP warned that consuming the toxic material could be potentially life-threatening.
Prosecutors confirmed Suspicious An investigation is underway but no further details have been released.
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An investigation into the suspected public danger is now underway, while an expert report on the toxicity of the poison is still pending.
Officials say the five tampered jars were intercepted before they could be consumed.
The affected products were carrot-and-potato baby food for infants up to five months of age, sold in SPAR supermarkets in Austria.
Police said the affected jars were marked with a white sticker and a red circle at the bottom.
Hypp stressed that the recall was purely precautionary and not due to any manufacturing defect.
He said the products had left its facilities in perfect condition.
Store owners said customers will receive full refunds on returned products.
Police have advised customers to wash their hands thoroughly if they come in contact with any of the suspicious jars.
Authorities were first alerted when a customer reported that a jar had been tampered with.
Hypp also said he was a victim of extortion after someone sent a message on a shared mailbox, prompting him to immediately inform the police.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The incident follows a series of recent food safety scares involving baby products.
In February, dozens of children fell ill after consuming infant formula contaminated with a dangerous toxin.
Food giant Nestle recalled more than 60 batches of formula suspected of containing cerulide.
This toxin is produced by some strains of the Bacillus cereus bacteria and can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea.
the UK Health The security agency said at least 36 children were affected.
