Laboratory tests have found the drugs clonazepam and lorazepam in Prinok baby fruit puree jars sold at two Zol VeGadol branches in Jerusalem, the Health Ministry reports. Parents who purchased the product are urged not to serve it and to watch for symptoms including drowsiness, fatigue, or confusion in children, and to consult a doctor or the ministry hotline if needed.
The Health Ministry announced Wednesday that laboratory tests on Prinok-brand baby fruit puree identified the prescription drugs clonazepam and lorazepam — benzodiazepines used as sedatives and anesthetics — in jars sold at two Zol VeGadol supermarket branches in Jerusalem. The specific chemical identification expands on earlier findings: as The Zioneer reported at 13:05, the ministry had confirmed the presence of anesthetics but had not named the drugs. The contamination now covers at least two benzodiazepines, broadening the scope of the recall that has been widening since Monday.
The thread began when the ministry opened an epidemiological investigation after two children were hospitalized following consumption of Prinok puree purchased at Zol VeGadol stores. In its first bulletin at 16:30 Monday, The Zioneer reported that the ministry was examining a possible link to the product. By the same hour the ministry confirmed the presence of anesthetics and expanded its recall warning. The source of the contamination has not yet been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As The Zioneer reported Wednesday at 13:11, the ministry has already issued closure orders for two Zol VeGadol branches on Jaffa Road in Jerusalem after separate incidents involving poisoned fruit. While the timeline and provenance of the contaminated puree and the poisoned fruit remain under separate investigation, both cases involve the same retail chain in Jerusalem.
The specific mechanism by which clonazepam and lorazepam entered the product remains unconfirmed. It is also unclear whether additional batches or stores are affected beyond the two Jerusalem branches initially identified. The ministry continues to urge parents to return any Prinok puree to stores and to watch for symptoms including drowsiness, fatigue, and confusion.
5 developments
- DevelopingTwo more children hospitalized in Prinok puree affair; police, Shin Bet probe 'nationalist motive'
- StrongShin Bet joins investigation into anesthetics in Prinok baby puree, agency denies involvement
- StrongSedatives found in baby food sold in Israel — police probe expanded
- DevelopingMK Ginzburg demands urgent Health Committee hearing on baby food tampering
Source and signal
- Internal intake