•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Customs Department has issued an urgent directive to tighten management and inspection of HiPP-branded nutritional products imported nationwide, following media reports about potential quality issues that could affect consumer health.
Under document 549/CHQ-GSQL dated 20/4/2026, the Customs Department requires regional Customs Sub-Departments to direct subordinate units to strengthen inspection and supervision of imported HiPP-branded nutritional products. The directive emphasizes ensuring import compliance with customs law and related sector regulations.
Units are also instructed to actively coordinate with sector regulators to update warning information, inspection results, and any handling measures related to the product. Appropriate control measures should be applied promptly in accordance with regulations.
The Department further requires reviewing and assessing risks at stages in customs procedures, with particular focus on file compilation and information exchange between departments. The goal is to timely detect, prevent, and handle fraudulent acts. Any violations, suspicions, or difficulties encountered should be promptly reported to the Department for guidance.
The directive follows HiPP (Germany)’s announcement on 18/4 that it was urgently recalling a line of products sold in Austria due to suspected presence of toxic substances that could threaten users’ lives.
HiPP stated it is recalling “the entire line of baby foods in jars sold at SPAR Austria” due to “the possibility that a dangerous substance has been added to HiPP Carrot/Potato - 190 gram.” The manufacturer advised customers not to use the suspected product, saying it “could be life-threatening.”
The jars to be recalled can be identified by white labels with a red circle at the bottom and are advised to be returned to the point of purchase. Authorities have not disclosed details about the poison substance or the cause.
According to Austria’s Food Safety Authority (AGES), the incident occurred two months after Danone recalled more than 120 batches of infant formula in Austria and Germany.
In Vietnam, following the information, the Ministry of Health has requested local authorities to urgently recall and advise people to stop using HiPP vegetable jar baby foods carrot/potato due to suspected rodenticide contamination.
Authorities set a deadline of 27/4 for importers to report the total quantity imported, sold, and currently in stock to support handling. The product under warning is the 190 g jar named “HiPP Vegetable Carrot with Potato.”
The Ministry of Health also requires expanded control, review of registration dossiers, and voluntary disclosure of the brand’s product quality on the market. At the same time, it asks e-commerce platforms and retailers to remove promotional images and halt selling related products.
Authorities emphasized strict action against violations. Consumers, especially parents, are advised to actively check and not use any products under the warning to ensure safety for young children.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
