• A judge ordered pre-trial detention for a 39-year-old suspect who allegedly laced several jars of HiPP baby food with rat poison and blackmailed the manufacturer.
  • The suspect, a former HiPP employee in Austria, denies all allegations through his lawyer.
  • The detention is initially set for 14 days, after which the case will be reviewed.
  • The investigation is on suspicion of intentional endangerment of the public, attempted grievous bodily harm, and attempted extortion.
  • So far, five contaminated jars have been found in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic; a sixth is being sought.
  • HiPP received a blackmail email in late March, discovered in April, after which authorities were alerted.

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