In a statement, the company said its carrot and potato purées may have been tampered with, making consumption potentially “life-threatening,” according to a report by the BBC.

“It cannot be ruled out that a hazardous substance was introduced due to external influence,” the company said.

Initially, only one flavour was suspected to be affected. However, as a precautionary measure, the recall was expanded to include the entire range of HiPP jarred baby food products, which were subsequently removed from more than 1,500 SPAR stores across Austria.

In a separate statement, police said that with assistance from the Federal Criminal Police Office, a sample of the seized product was analysed and tested positive for rat poison.

“Further investigations are currently being conducted by the Burgenland State Criminal Police Office in cooperation with the Federal Criminal Police Office,” authorities said.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Consumers have been advised to identify affected jars by checking for a red circle sticker at the base, damaged or previously opened lids, missing safety seals, or any unusual smell.

“As a precautionary measure, SPAR Austria has removed all HiPP baby food jars from sale. Customers are requested not to consume any HiPP products purchased from SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR, or Maximarkt, and to return them instead. Refunds will be provided even without a receipt,” the police added.