Austria Arrests Suspect in Baby Food Poisoning

A baby food extortion plot that rattled three countries has led to an arrest in Austria. Police in the state of Burgenland announced Saturday that a 39-year-old man is in custody after rat poison was discovered in jars of HiPP baby food, triggering a recall across parts of Europe. Authorities said five tainted jars—carrot and potato purée—were intercepted in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia before any were eaten, the BBC reports. The case appears linked to a ransom demand. Police said the suspect is being questioned, per the AP.

Austria's Die Presse reports HiPP received an email on March 27 demanding more than $2 million, but it went unnoticed until after the six-day payment deadline because it was sent to an infrequently checked address. Authorities warned that at least one contaminated jar may still be in circulation. They urged parents to avoid jars with damaged lids, missing safety seals, odd smells, or a white sticker with a red circle on the base, and to seek medical help if babies show signs such as bleeding, severe weakness, or unusual paleness.