Man arrested in Austria after rat poison found in baby food jars

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Man arrested in Austria after rat poison found in baby food jars 13 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Henri Astier via Getty Images File photo of a HiPP carrot and potato baby food jar A 39-year-old man has been arrested in Austria in connection with a case in which rat poison was found in jars of baby food, police say. Two weeks ago, a jar of carrot and potato purée was found to contain the poison in the eastern state of Burgenland, prompting manufacturer HiPP to recall an entire range of its products. A total of five contaminated jars were safely recovered in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia before they could be consumed.

Austria's Die Presse newspaper reported that an email demanding €2m (£1. 73m) had not been noticed by HiPP until after the ransom deadline expired. The German firm's CEO told the newspaper the message, which gave the company six days to pay the money, was sent on 27 March to an email address that is checked every two to three weeks.

The Details

The arrest was announced on Saturday by police in Burgenland. Spokesman Helmut Marban told the no further details regarding the suspect or the circumstances of his arrest could be disclosed, as the investigation was ongoing. Authorities believe at least one more poisoned jar is still in circulation and have issued guidance on how to recognise tampered jars.

Consumers have been urged to look out for damaged or open lids, a missing safety seal, an unusual or spoiled odour, or a white sticker with a red circle on the bottom of the glass jar. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety warned parents whose babies had consumed the brand's food to consult a doctor if their children showed signs of bleeding, extreme weakness or paleness.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.