At HiPP we are committed to producing nourishing, wholesome foods for babies for use throughout the weaning process. We take every precaution to ensure the safety and quality of our baby foods and we make this our number one priority.

During recent routine controls with new analytical procedures minute traces of semicarbazide (SEM) were found in baby foods packaged in glass jars. This was immediately brought to the attention of the food standards authorities. In response to this information, baby food companies and packaging materials suppliers immediately launched investigations to understand the source of SEM and seek alternatives.

The presence of SEM is thought to be a result of migration from the plastic sealing gasket used in the metal lids (vacuum caps) of glass jars. This gasket plays a crucial role in maintaining the seal and ensures the safety of the product throughout its shelf life. The presence of SEM is thought to be linked to another compound, azodicarbonamide (ADC) used in the formation of the gasket and which has been used for decades.

Levels of SEM are minute and neither the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) or European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) are advising anyone to stop buying or using baby foods sold in glass jars.

HiPP, together with all other baby food manufacturers, is committed to finding a solution to this problem that does not compromise the long-established safety record of baby food in glass jars, nor introduce new safety concerns through hasty changes to current practice.

HiPP UK Ltd – 16th October 2003