The Maldives Food and Drug Authority has advised the public not to use certain HiPP baby food products following reports of suspected contamination with a toxic substance.

In a statement, MFDA said the products, manufactured by German brand HiPP, were withdrawn from the Austrian market after concerns they may contain rodenticide.

Authorities in Austria have launched an investigation into the incident, with reports indicating that the contamination may have been deliberate. Investigations are also ongoing in other European countries, including Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Although the products are not registered in the Maldives, MFDA warned that they could still be brought into the country for personal use. As a precaution, the authority has urged the public to avoid importing or consuming any products from the brand.

The authority also advised parents to exercise caution when using imported baby food products while investigations into the matter continue.