The Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, has joined the investigation into sedative drugs found in baby fruit puree jars consumed by several toddlers in Jerusalem, as police examine whether the substances were inserted into the products deliberately.
The Health Ministry confirmed Wednesday that laboratory tests found clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of Prinok baby fruit puree sold at two branches of Zol Begadol, a discount supermarket chain in Jerusalem.
The products were purchased at the chain’s Mahane branch at 113 Jaffa Street and at another branch at 214 Jaffa Street, both in the center of the capital.
Clonazepam and lorazepam belong to the benzodiazepine family, a class of prescription drugs used as sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and other treatments.
The Health Ministry issued immediate closure orders for both Zol Begadol branches where the jars were purchased and involved additional enforcement authorities, including Israel Police.
At least four toddlers were hospitalized at Hadassah-University Medical Center in Ein Kerem, a major Jerusalem hospital, after consuming fruit puree and showing symptoms that included weakness, apathy, and confusion. Blood tests later found traces of sedative substances. The children have since been released from the hospital.
On Tuesday, the Health Ministry instructed hospitals in the Jerusalem area to increase their attention to cases involving infants and young children arriving with symptoms that could match exposure to benzodiazepines. Hospitals were also asked to report any similar cases that may have occurred in recent weeks.
Police examine criminal and nationalist motives
Jerusalem Police opened an investigation immediately after the children were hospitalized and sedatives were found in their blood, police said.
Investigators are carrying out a range of investigative actions, and all directions are being examined, including the possibility that the incident was nationalistically motivated.
Police stressed that no suspects have been arrested or questioned in connection with the suspected insertion of substances into the products. They said it was too early to determine whether the motive was criminal or nationalist.
Investigators are awaiting further Health Ministry findings on where and when the substances entered the products, including whether this occurred at the factory, during transportation, or after the jars arrived at the Jerusalem stores.
No general Prinok recall
The Health Ministry said that, at this stage, it has not ordered a sweeping recall of all Prinok products.
The ministry said there was currently no indication of a defect or malfunction during production and no evidence of contamination at the manufacturing plant. Tests conducted on products from importers were found to be normal, according to the ministry.
The ministry called on parents whose children consumed the product to monitor for behavioral changes, including unusual sleepiness, exhaustion, or confused speech. Parents were told to contact their pediatrician and the Health Ministry hotline at *5400 while noting the possible connection to the product.
The ministry also reminded the public to make sure food products are sealed, intact, properly labeled, and sold in their original packaging.
It advised consumers not to eat products purchased from the two Jerusalem branches, products sold outside their original packaging, products with unusual color, appearance, or smell, or jars whose vacuum mechanism does not work properly when opened.
Company says facts point to malicious external interference
Randi, the company that markets Prinok in Israel, said that the Health Ministry had found no indication of a defect or malfunction during production and no indication of contamination at the plant itself.
“All tests conducted on products from the importer were found to be normal,” the company said.
Randi said the Health Ministry had clarified that the products were safe for consumers and that there was no obstacle to continuing their sale.
“The facts indicate that an external party maliciously inserted foreign substances into the product,” the company said.
The company said it acted transparently with the public and in close coordination with the Health Ministry and all relevant professional authorities once it became aware of the case.
Prinok products have been sold for more than 20 years in supermarket chains across Israel, Randi said.
“We again emphasize that before each use, consumers must make sure that the product is closed, intact, and does not show signs of damage or opening, in accordance with the safety instructions printed on the packaging,” the company said.
One father of children who were taken to the hospital told N12 that his family had initially been questioned by police after the sedatives were found in the children’s blood.
“We were in an investigation for two hours over abuse of helpless minors,” he said. “I have two healthy and well-cared-for children. I was the one who gave them the puree.”
The Health Ministry said it was continuing to examine the case and would update the public as needed.