Global information regarding extortion case
Apologies, this content is currently only available in English. Please use translation tools if necessary.
Dear Parents, Dear Consumers,
HiPP has become the victim of extortion. The news is unsettling for many – we understand.
HiPP’s utmost concern is to protect children and families. We took immediate measures to safeguard consumers as soon as we learned of the extortion.
Our internal crisis management team is coordinating all steps in close and constant collaboration with the police and the relevant authorities.
This case results from criminal external manipulation beyond our sphere of influence in three supermarkets in Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia. We have no knowledge of any further manipulations.
It is important to emphasize that this incident is in no way related to our manufacturing quality. HiPP’s production, quality, and control processes remain fully intact without any restrictions.
Questions & Answers on the current HiPP extortion / blackmail incident
What happened and where?
HiPP has become the victim of extortion. In Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, there has been a known case in which single baby food jars were criminally tampered by third parties using rat poison. We are not aware of any further incidents of manipulation.
HiPP itself is not responsible for these actions. This case results from external criminal manipulation beyond our sphere of influence in the three markets.
How and when did HiPP find out?
The blackmailer sent a message to a non‑personalized shared mailbox that is checked at longer but regular intervals as part of our standard operating procedures. As soon as HiPP became aware of the message, the company immediately informed the police authorities responsible.
What actions did HiPP take?
- Immediate notification of the police authorities
- Establishment of an internal crisis management team
- Immediate measures to protect babies and consumers
- Close and ongoing coordination with the authorities, including communications
Are HiPP products safe?
This incident is in no way related to our manufacturing quality. All production, quality assurance, and control processes remain fully intact and unrestricted.
Is this a quality issue at HiPP?
No. The incident is in no way related to the manufacturing quality of HiPP products.
This case results in criminal external manipulation outside HiPP’s sphere of influence. We have no knowledge of any further manipulations.
Why is HiPP being accused of sharing limited information at this moment?
In order not to jeopardize the ongoing investigations, HiPP is currently only able to communicate information that has been verified and officially approved by the authorities. As soon as new relevant findings become available, we will provide updates in coordination with the authorities.
Where can I find official information about the investigation?
For details on the police investigation, HiPP refers to the official press releases issued by the responsible police authorities in the affected countries.
What should consumers generally keep in mind?
Regardless of this specific case, the following recommendations always apply to baby food — including HiPP products:
- ✅ Always check that the packaging is intact
- ✅ Pay close attention to an intact vacuum seal on jars (the lid is concave, a characteristic “pop” sound when opening)
- ❌ Do not use products that show any irregularities
(e.g. unusual or unpleasant smell, damaged packaging, or missing vacuum)
