A 39-year-old suspect has been arrested in Austria after rat poison was found in several jars of HiPP baby food sold in central Europe.

The investigation began when a tampered jar was discovered in a supermarket in Eisenstadt, prompting a wider probe.

Authorities seized five contaminated jars before any were consumed, and believe the products were deliberately altered in stores.

HiPP recalled its baby food products across Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic as a precaution, stating the items left its factory in perfect condition, the AP has reported.

Police say the case may involve extortion, and the suspect is being questioned as investigations continue.