Health for humans, animals & plants

Rat poison in HiPP baby food

| 2 min read
Human

We advise you to be particularly vigilant in light of the blackmail case involving the baby food manufacturer HiPP.

The Burgenland State Criminal Investigation Office has seized a tampered jar of baby food labelled ‘Carrot and Potato 190g’ in the Eisenstadt-Umgebung district. The tampered jar was marked with a white sticker featuring a red circle. According to the police, the seized product tested positive for rat poison. For further information and the police warning, see the link.

Rat poisons contain various active ingredients with correspondingly different health effects. The most commonly used active ingredient is bromadiolone, a so-called vitamin K antagonist. This inhibits the effect of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. As a result, this can lead to reduced blood clotting ability. Possible consequences include bleeding (bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruising, blood in the stool). 

Please note: symptoms may appear with a delay of 2–5 days after consumption.

If bleeding, extreme weakness or paleness occurs, you must consult a doctor and inform them that your child has consumed the affected baby food. With appropriate medical treatment, particularly the administration of vitamin K, the poisoning is easily treatable.

Recommendations for parents and carers

  • Check the jars carefully before consumption for any abnormalities (white sticker with a red circle on the base of the jar, damaged lid and absence of the “snap” sound when opening)
  • Check the contents for smell (does it smell “unusual” or off?)
  • If bleeding, extreme weakness or paleness occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
  • It is essential that you inform medical staff that the affected product has been consumed.

Further information on the recall

FAQ: Suspected rat poison contamination in HiPP baby food (as of 19 April 2026)

What is this about?
According to the police, a jar of HiPP baby food labelled ‘Carrot with Potato 190 g’ that was seized has tested positive for rat poison.

Which products are affected? The product
affected is the HiPP vegetable jar “Carrot with Potato 190 g”. A tampered jar was seized in the Eisenstadt district. The affected jar was marked with a white sticker and a red circle on the base of the jar.

How can you tell if a jar has been tampered with?
The seized tampered jar was:

  • marked with a white sticker featuring a red circle
  • had a damaged, previously opened lid
  • therefore did not make a “crackling sound” when opened
  • smelled unusual and/or spoiled

Parents and carers are urged to check jars carefully before consumption.

How does rat poison affect the body?
Rat poison contains bromadiolone. Bromadiolone is a so-called vitamin K antagonist. It inhibits the action of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting. This can reduce the blood’s ability to clot.

What symptoms may occur?
Possible symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bruising (haematomas)
  • Blood in the stool

When do symptoms appear?
Symptoms appear with a delay, usually 2 to 5 days after ingestion.

What should be done if a child or a person who can no longer eat solid food has eaten the baby food?
If

  • bleeding,
  • severe weakness or
  • noticeable paleness

, seek medical help immediately. Inform the doctor that the child/person may have consumed the affected baby food.

Can poisoning be treated?
Yes. With appropriate medical treatment, particularly the administration of vitamin K, poisoning can be effectively treated.

What should parents and carers be aware of at present?

  • Check jars carefully before opening (white sticker with a red circle on the base of the jar)
  • Check the seal (damaged lid, absence of a clicking sound when opening)
  • Check for any unusual smell or spoiled contents

If you notice anything unusual, do not use the product under any circumstances!

What should you do if you find a HiPP jar that looks unusual?

  • Do not open if the HiPP baby food jar has a white sticker with a red circle
  • Do not consume under any circumstances or offer it to a young child
  • Store the jar safely away from food and, if possible, use gloves when handling it
  • After coming into contact with a potentially tampered jar, wash your hands thoroughly (with soap for at least 30 seconds) before any further contact with other people, especially children

Where can I report any information or tips?
The Burgenland Provincial Police Headquarters is accepting reports on: +43 59133 10 – 3333.

Further contact details:

Poison Information Centre – 24-hour emergency hotline: 01 406 43 43
Ambulance 144
Medical Radio Service 141
European Emergency Number 112.

You can reach the HiPP Parent Service Austria on +43 7612 76577-104.

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| 2 min read
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