Father Says Toddlers’ Sedative Poisoning Could Have Been Fatal

The father of an infant hospitalized after eating fruit puree containing powerful sedatives said Tuesday that the family is still waiting for confirmation from the Health Ministry that the case is being investigated, because he believes it was life-threatening for small children. He quoted doctors as telling him, “If a small child consumes something like this, such a quantity, it is death.” The Health Ministry said Monday that three Jerusalem toddlers were hospitalized after traces of benzodiazepines were found in their blood, sedatives and anesthetics used in anti-anxiety drugs such as Klonex and Valium.

The father said he chose not to reveal his real name because he is only seeking the truth, not publicity. He added that his young son was hospitalized only as a precaution after doctors initially suspected a gas leak, and MDA recommended admitting him even though he had no symptoms and all his tests were normal.

Describing what happened, he said his daughter was playing with a neighbor’s child, who was holding a pouch of applesauce with a red wrapper. He said his wife noticed the boy giving the girl one or two spoonfuls, and within about five or six minutes the neighboring children showed symptoms, the little girl could not hold up her head and the boy collapsed, prompting an immediate MDA evacuation. About 20 minutes later, he said, his wife noticed his daughter stumbling and falling and appearing confused, so MDA was called again and advised taking the children in because the cause was unclear, possibly gas exposure or something else.

He said he does not usually use the kind of puree suspected in the incident and claimed he had been told to throw it away, but instead kept it pending a Health Ministry investigation. He said his daughter had only a small amount, tested borderline negative, and was eating normally the next day, though still groggy. The neighbors’ children were in much worse condition and were discharged only today. He also said he contacted police after returning home from the hospital, but was told the matter was not for them, and that he should call the Health Ministry. He said MDA and United Hatzalah told him the same thing.