Suspect Arrested in Israeli Baby Food Sedative Contamination Case
Jerusalem District Police have arrested a man in his 40s from southern Israel as part of an investigation into suspected sedatives found in baby fruit purees. The arrest follows a breakthrough by investigators from the Zion District's Crime Fighting Unit (Yal"p) who analyzed evidence to trace the source and method of contamination.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, where police will request an extension of his detention. Investigators are continuing the probe, examining the possibility of other suspects' involvement.
The case dates back to June 2026, when four children, including one-year-old infants, were hospitalized experiencing dizziness and fainting. Powerful sedative and tranquilizer residues were detected in their blood, prompting a joint criminal and epidemiological investigation by the Israel Police and the Ministry of Health.
Investigators identified a common link among the affected children: consumption of various baby food purees produced by the "Prunok" company shortly before their symptoms appeared. The company has stated it is cooperating with the investigation.
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