Man Arrested in Austria Over Poisoned Baby Food Jars

Vienna. Police have arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of involvement in the case where rat poison was found in baby food jars in Austria.

Two weeks ago, poison was found in a jar of carrot and potato puree in the eastern Austrian state of Burgenland. Following this, the baby food manufacturer Hipp recalled its related products from the market. According to officials, five contaminated jars have been found in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, which were intercepted before consumption.

According to the Austrian newspaper Die Presse, an email was sent demanding a ransom of 2 million euros from the company. However, the company stated that it only saw the email after the specified deadline had passed. The company's CEO said the email was sent on March 27 and that the email address would only be checked every two to three weeks. Police spokesperson Helmut Marban said that further details about the arrested person could not be disclosed as the investigation is ongoing.

Officials suspect that at least one jar containing poison may be on the market and have urged consumers to exercise caution. Consumers have been advised not to use products if the jar lid is damaged, open, the safety seal is missing, there is an unusual smell, or if there is a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom of the jar.