The Shin Bet security agency has joined the criminal investigation into anesthetic drugs found in Prinok baby fruit puree that hospitalized four toddlers from the Jerusalem area, according to an Mako report Wednesday. The Shin Bet denies any involvement at this stage.
The Shin Bet security agency has issued a denial of any involvement in the criminal investigation into anesthetics found in Prinok baby fruit puree, contradicting a report earlier Wednesday, according to Mako. This is the latest twist in a fast-moving story: at 13:05 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the Shin Bet had joined the investigation, citing Amit Segal (N12). That report has now been publicly rejected by the agency itself, which said it is not involved at this stage.
To recap the day's events: At 13:05 Jerusalem, the Health Ministry ordered the closure of two Zol VeGadol branches on Jaffa Road in Jerusalem, as police opened a criminal probe. The ministry confirmed that laboratory tests found the benzodiazepine sedatives clonazepam and lorazepam in Prinok jars sold at those branches. The ministry said it found no indication of a systemic contamination at the production plant and did not order a full recall. Four toddlers from the Jerusalem area had been hospitalized earlier after consuming the tainted puree, as The Zioneer reported at 10:01 Jerusalem (citing the Jerusalem Post).
Earlier today, at 13:29 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported separately that the Shin Bet is investigating the 'fruit hybrids' affair after findings were handed over — a matter that remains under a gag order. That background context is distinct from the current contaminated-puree investigation.
What remains open: The precise role of Shin Bet — if any — is now sharply disputed between the earlier report and the agency's denial. The criminal police investigation continues, and the Health Ministry's closure orders remain in effect.
5 developments
- DevelopingTwo more children hospitalized in Prinok puree affair; police, Shin Bet probe 'nationalist motive'
- StrongShin Bet investigates 'fruit hybrids' affair after findings handed over
- StrongHealth Ministry expands Prinok puree recall — anesthetics clonazepam, lorazepam found in second batch
- StrongSedatives found in baby food sold in Israel — police probe expanded
Source and signal
- Internal intake