The Health Ministry announced Thursday it is imposing severe restrictions on the Zol VeGadol branches at 113 and 214 Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, following a police investigation into baby purees containing sedative drugs. Ministry tests found the drugs clonazepam and lorazepam in five jars — three returned by families and two taken from store shelves — all showing signs of tampering before purchase. Five infants were hospitalized after consuming the products; all have since been released.
The Health Ministry announced Thursday it is imposing severe operating restrictions on two Zol VeGadol branches on Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, deepening the response to the Prinok baby puree contamination affair that surfaced last week. The ministry said the move follows a police investigation and its own extensive nationwide testing: some 70 jars were sent for toxicological analysis, 110 for vacuum-integrity checks, and over 500 products were inspected at points of sale.
Five jars were found to contain the benzodiazepine sedatives clonazepam and lorazepam — three returned by families whose children were hospitalized and two taken directly from store shelves. In all five cases, the ministry stated, there was evidence the jars had been opened before purchase. Inspections at the importer's warehouses and other retail locations across the country found no indication of contamination or supply-chain failure.
The ministry reiterated that only two incidents have been confirmed: five children — aged 3 and 10 months, and 3 and 9 months — were hospitalized after consuming fruit puree bought at the targeted branches. All have been released. Other reported cases with similar symptoms were investigated and ruled out.
As The Zioneer has reported over the past week, the affair has triggered police — and later Shin Bet — investigations into suspected deliberate poisoning. The Zol VeGadol chain has appealed the closure orders in court. Thursday's restrictions are the latest administrative action by the ministry against the two branches, upgrading from earlier cease-and-desist orders.
3 developments
- DevelopingHealth Ministry orders Zol VeGadol and Bigudol branches to halt anesthetic-tainted baby food sales
- StrongZol VeGadol appeals closure order to district court over 'Frinook' chicken sales
- StrongHealth Ministry expands Prinok puree recall — anesthetics clonazepam, lorazepam found in second batch
- StrongPolice probe suspected deliberate poisoning in Prinok baby puree affair
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